As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games continues, many of Great Britian’s best para-athletes are carefully preparing for their involvement.
In advance of her fourth Games, we caught up with Hannah Cockroft, a multiple Paralympic champion, world record holder, and BEAA Ambassador.
Reflecting on her own Paralympic journey, Hannah vividly remembers her first selection. Believing she hadn't been chosen towards the end of the say, her father called the head coach, who assumed she knew she was on the team. “My first phone call was different from everyone else’s,” she chuckled.
Entering her first Paralympic Games in London 2012, Hannah felt calm, which she attributes to a lack of prior experience. “Everything about London 2012 excited me,” she said. “I loved the crowds, seeing Paralympians everywhere – on adverts, billboards, magazines. I felt no pressure because people were there to cheer for you, whether you were first or last. It was an amazing place to be.”
By the time Hannah reached Rio 2016, the experience was entirely different. With the weight of the world on her shoulders, she competed in multiple events, including the newly added 400m. “I felt the pressure of being an experienced athlete,” she admitted. “I went into Rio super organised, with everything planned down to my meals. It was a totally different experience from London 2012.”
Drawing on her years of practice, Hannah advises athletes to prepare but remain flexible. “Try and organise what you can, but be prepared to bend from that,” she recommends. “There’s nothing worse than going in with a plan that’s unworkable. Every athlete faces the same challenges, so don’t be afraid to ask for help and adapt.”
In addition, she also points out that managing pressure is crucial, as the mindset you adopt can influence both your performance and overall enjoyment of the Games. “For me, pressure came to a head the day before my 100m final in Rio when my wheelchair was damaged,” she recalls.
“I burst into tears, but my teammates and coaches stepped up to help. Remember, pressure is just people believing in you. Try to flip it on its head and see it as a positive.”
The BEAA Ambassador also wanted to provide practical advice to those heading to Paris in the upcoming weeks, highlighting that food in the village is a common concern, but reassuring other athletes there’s always a variety. “You’ll find a standard selection – pasta, rice, chicken, salads. It’s an irrational fear that there won’t be anything to eat. Pack any specific items or comfort foods you might need.”
Lastly, Hannah emphasised that support is readily available throughout the Games, ensuring athletes to never feel isolated or alone in their journey. “During a major Games so much can happen. Having someone like the BEAA there to listen and help takes that extra weight off your mind. Whatever it is, they’ve got the answer and can help you fully focus on your performance.”
Hannah’s advice is clear: organise what you can, be prepared to adapt, manage pressure by seeing it as belief, and ensure comfort by bringing little bits of home. Sorted.
The BEAA are running increased support throughout Paris 2024. Reach out to the team here.
