dani - christmas

athletics and cycling

What was your sport and how did you get into it?

I grew up in athletics before injury and illness lead to me using the bike as a form of cross training. Fast forward a few years and I transitioned into a professional road cyclist.

Tell us about the highlights of your sporting career?

Athletics - winning National and Commonwealth youth titles over 800m. Representing England and GB over 800m, 1500m, mile and cross county.

Cycling - Winning my first pro race, representing GB and competing at the European and World championship.

What were some of the challenges you experienced and how did you overcome them?

I've suffered just about every injury going, normally at the worst possible moment! I didn't have a season without a big hurdle to overcome, but setting goals and working towards them helped keep me focused.

What have been your highlights while working at the Trust?

Seeing the progress of the young people I've been privileged to work with.

What do you do now alongside working for the Trust?

I work as a cycling commentator and pundit for GCN, Eurosport and Discovery+. I'm also a Sports Director with professional cycling teams and I manage a rider mentoring programme.

What life advice would you give a young person?

The best piece of advice I was given was by Dame Kelly herself, she told me before a race to step off the track at the end with no regrets. I took that forward in my future preparations so I knew when I was stood on the start line, I would have no regrets, that I was the in the best position to perform with the cards I had been dealt.

What experience do you have of working with corporate organisations? 

I've got experience of key note speaking and delivering corporate away days for corporate clients.

Competitive
Record

2018-21

Raced the Women's World Tour including events such as:

Tour of Flanders

Giro Rosa,

Liège–Bastogne–Liège

Flèche Wallonne

Amstel Gold

La Course, The Women's Tour

2018

Represented GB at World and European Championships

2006

World Junior semi finalist 800m 

2004

Commonwealth Youth 800m champion