Find out what it takes to be an Olympian as we chat to JBC athlete Chris Walker-Hebborn
British world record holder & Olympic Medal Winner Chris Walker-Hebborn tells us all about what it takes to be the best version of yourself and achieve your dreams.
When did you start to swim?
I started to swim from as young as 3, my parents believed that all their children should be able to swim, as a life skill. I for some reason took to the water like a fish, I loved it. So what went from lessons, turned into a hobby and then into a career path!
What would you be if not a swimmer?
If I was not a swimmer, I am honestly not sure what I would be doing instead. I was such a sporty child that I would have ended up with some sort of sporting background. I used to play a lot of football and basketball, but as swimming got more serious and demanding I had to give up the other sports!
If you could have any super power what would you choose?
If I could have any super power it would be flight. Its not that cool and I could not save the world with it, but the idea of being able to fly is pretty cool.
How do you incorporate all the requirements of training into your life?
Incorporating all the necessary requirements of swimming into my life is like second nature now, at first its very hard to get to grip with the early mornings followed by school then followed by another session, and as a kid this was difficult, but teaches you how to be disciplined and organised. Things got easier once I finished school and could focus on swimming full time. Best part is napping during the day!!!
My fave product is definitely the JBC Pro-Fuel. I use it before tough swim/gym sessions and always before I race, it's very hard to find pre workout that is batch tested and safe. It has everything I need to get ready to lift big or swim fast!!
What couldn’t you live without?
There are so many things that I would not want to live without, but if I have to pick one then it would be my family. They are such huge part of my support network and would not be were I am today if it wasn't for their love and guidance.
What 3 tips would you have for aspiring swimmers or athletes?
1) Nothing worth having comes easy. You have to work to chase your dreams, if it was easy everyone would do it!
2) Believe in yourself, this is by far one of the most important things, their will be times in your life when people doubt you, but as long as YOU believe then you'll be fine!!
3) Enjoy it, life is too short to do something you don't enjoy. Doing something you love makes it that much easier to do it!!