With all the hopes and ambitions of the New Year, I had prayed this year would be less turbulent than the last. Unfortunately, it hasn’t started quite as I hoped.
My “Month One” piece of the 2026 season has aged somewhat badly. I failed at that crucial aim of “staying robust”, picking up an illness just as the December Trials hit. Training and competing through illness and excessive fatigue never ends well, and when I got sick again over Christmas, I learnt the timeless lesson that pushing your body before it’s ready puts you back a long way. Post-viral fatigue forced me to miss the first training camp of the year with the GB women’s team. I was gutted.
Traditionally, as is well documented, I’m an athlete who struggles with injuries, so illness has been a different challenge. I’ve had to listen to my body in different ways- something I am not notoriously good at. What has, perhaps, been a blessing is being detached from the squad environment. I struggle hugely with FOMO, and being somewhat removed from the main programme has helped me focus solely on myself without looking on in envy at what others are doing. It’s given me an opportunity to focus more on the technical side and get ahead with my prehab work, areas that aren’t always prioritised during a heavy training block. Enjoyment has also been key. It’s easy to fall into a lonely trap of misery, but I have been reminded that I do this sport because I love it, not because it’s a chore. Being surrounded by other members of the British Rowing team whilst the main squads have been away has helped; it’s the people and moments that get you through tough times that stay with you.
Amongst all this, I have recently opened up about my mental health struggles. I have battled an eating disorder for 11 years and, whilst it’s now under control, it’s something that continues to have a physical impact. I felt it was time to share this part of my story, as I know I am not alone in facing these challenges. Countless people I have spoken to have experienced some type of disordered eating or body dysmorphia; it can be an incredibly lonely place. I want people to realise that asking for help can be the best thing you can possibly do.
Starting a new JRN podcast has brought some excitement to the otherwise grey start to the year. Fellow JRN contributor, Eve Stewart, and I have teamed up to host “Between the Buoys”. We aim to take listeners behind the scenes on what it’s really like to be a GB rower: our weekly schedule, coping strategies, highlights and lowlights. Have a listen and send any questions you want answered our way!
What’s next? In typical Becky fashion, it’s never an easy ride, but I am almost back to normal training. I hope to be fit for the next training camp in just over a week and ready to rejoin the rest of the team. It’s been a month of prioritising my recovery, both mentally and physically, and I know I must continue this if I am to have a successful season. Along the way, I hope to keep finding the positives and the enjoyment in the everyday; it’s these things that sustain you throughout it all.
