Jessica Judd gets personal ahead of her Sky Academy TV documentary
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 24/03/17 12:50pm
Jessica Judd has had a testing year in her battle for Rio qualification and she reveals all in a TV documentary broadcast on Sky Sports.
The 20-year-old athlete from Essex is one of 12 Sky Academy Sports Scholars and a special Sky Academy show was shown over the weekend on Sky Sports 1 (available now On Demand and via Sky Go) providing a fascinating insight to her life - on and off the track.
Jess has changed her event to the four-lap 1500m, she's moved house, found love and is now fighting back after the disappointment of not qualifying for the summer's World Championships in Beijing.
WATCH: I am Jessica Judd. Available NOW On Demand and via Sky Go.
With Jessica's season all wrapped up, as part of the build-up to the programme, we thought we'd ask her a handful of challenging questions to keep her on her toes....
1. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOURSELF YOU DIDN'T AT THE START OF THE SEASON?
I've learnt what I am capable of if I get the race and preparation right and also know what sessions help move me on.
2. SUM UP YOUR SEASON
It has been a mixed season. I was happy to get a personal best in the 1500m and win bronze in the British Trials but was disappointed not to make the World Championships.
It has been a really good year with my training though and I've improved in many of my sessions. I can now complete some that I couldn't when I moved to Loughborough!
3. WHAT'S THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR?
It was definitely moving to Loughborough. I met my lovely boyfriend and made some great friends who are always supportive and I have a fantastic training group too.
4. IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A red panda because they just like chilling and they are my favourite animal.
5. WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Paula Radcliffe.
6. WHICH OTHER SPORT STARS DO YOU ADMIRE?
Runner Jo Pavey because she has achieved so much. Plus Jonny Wilkinson because of his work ethic.
7. DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT UNUSUAL THINGS WHEN YOU RUN?
No - I just try to work out lecture questions!
8. IF YOU WEREN'T AN ATHLETE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I'd train to be a doctor and specialise in neuroscience.
9. ANY MOTTOS OR PHRASES THAT MOTIVATE YOU?
Pain is weakness leaving the body
10. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
I cry a lot, normally when I think I've upset someone or when my boyfriend winds me up.
11. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Everything - I'm easily amused!
13. WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY?
Moody and stroppy people.
14. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS
Happy, ditsy, energetic.
15. ANY SUPERSTITIONS?
Yes, I have to tie my laces and do many knots as I have a fear that they will come undone.
16. WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU INTO?
I like a bit of everything really - house, pop, rock and general chart hits!
17. WHAT TV SHOWS ARE YOU INTO?
Game of Thrones because I love Jon Snow!
18. HOW DO YOU RELAX OFF THE TRACK?
Going for coffee dates with my boyfriend.
19. AMBITIONS FOR NEXT 12 MONTHS?
My aims are to improve my PBs over 800m and 1500m and to try to make the Rio Games. I'd also like to improve in training and try to keep up with the boys, especially my boyfriend!
WATCH: I am Jessica Judd. Available On Demand and via Sky Go.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS...
SEPTEMBER 10-21: Olivia Breen - Warm weather training
SEPTEMBER 26: Sam Oldham - Gymnastics London Open
SEPTEMBER 19-27: Lucy Garner - World Championship's Road Race, Richmond, USA
