Sarah Lavin has opened up about the struggles with having a work/life balance as an athlete.
The Olympian has enjoyed huge success throughout her career, with her holding the record as Ireland's fastest female hurdler at the moment.
In November's issue of RSVP Magazine, Sarah opened up about her career, being a woman in sport and the female sportspeople she looks up to herself.
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Opening up about how she got to where she is today, she told us: " I started running when I was seven and hurdling at 14 or 15.For me, it was the people, the lifestyle, the pressure, the pursuit of being better than you ever have been before and it being so measurable.I realised I wanted to compete seriously from the very beginning."
Being an athlete can be all-consuming, thanks to training and competitions. Is it hard to balance it with her personal life?
"Of course," Sarah answered. "Things always come at a cost, but I have great friends and family and they love athletics so it makes it easier for me."
She competed in the Olympics earlier this year, and was one of the flag-bearers for the opening ceremony alongside golfer Shane Lowry.
" It was so special and so emotional," she gushed. "To share it with Shane was just incredible. What a human being!"
We've seen some incredible female sporting moments this year, but is the support for women in sport the same as what male sportspeople receive?
" I think it depends on the sport," said Sarah. "I think success in athletics is irrespective of your gender and that’s what makes it such a brilliant sport for young girls to get involved in. To keep that visibility and momentum going, it’s about media and money. Financial support and correct investment along with exposure of success stories is crucial."
Opening up about some of the women in sport she looks up to herself, she said: " So many I could list! For athletics, Sonia O'Sullivan, Derval O'Rourke, Jessica Ennis, Susanna Kallur, for boxing Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor. Swimming is of course Mona McSharry, tennis is Aryna Sabalenka… I could just keep going."
Read the full interview in this month's issue of RSVP Magazine - on shelves now
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