SKELETON: Balance may be the key for Australia’s top female skeleton athlete, Jaclyn Narracott as she combines work and training at her new home base in Bath, UK.
It is the second time the 26-year-old has made the cross continental move, and this year’s change could be vital to her success at the 2018 Winter Games.
“It [the move] worked well last off season and this one has gone even better,” Narracott said.
“We learnt the burnout and 'recovery is king' lessons last year so I'm doing a couple less sessions but with more quality.”
The Queenslander moved across the world for two reasons; to get faster and to be closer to her boyfriend, world number 10 ranked skeleton athlete, and 2014 Team GB Olympian, Dom Parsons.
“Working 30 hours a week plus training takes its toll but we've managed to squeeze in a few trips to see friends around the country and get some downtime.”
Narracott will kick off her hunt for PyeongChang qualification in Calgary, Canada, competing in the first North American Cup of the season this November.
“The major goal for the next 6 months is obviously qualification and then aiming for that podium,” said Narracott who will spend a week in a Canadian ‘Ice House’ before returning to the track.
“That aside, I'm gunning for my first World Cup medal and to put myself in the best position possible for Korea.
“It's going to be incredibly tough but that's why we do this,” she said.
Narracott is looking to make her Olympic debut at PyeongChang, following in her uncle Paul’s footsteps, who was the first Australian to compete at both the Summer and Winter Games.
When asked what an Olympic debut would mean to her, Narracott said “everything.”
“It's what I've dreamt about and been working for as long as I can remember.
“All I've ever really wanted to do was emulate (and hopefully go one better than) my uncle and February is my chance to do that.
“To finally have my name alongside his as an Olympian and realise my dream will be incredibly special. As he told me I've just got to put the work in and enjoy it so that the experience goes the way we want it to.”
With less than 6 months until the Opening Ceremony at PyeongChang 2018, Narracott is focused on getting the most out of everyday to achieve her life-long Olympic dream.
“So many things go through my head when I think of the Olympics.
“The overwhelming ones are 'make every day count' and 'bring it on!' I cannot wait to get back there.”
Australia will look to be represented in both the women’s and men’s skeleton events at the PyeongChang 2018 Games, as Narracott chases qualification alongside fellow Aussie and Sochi Olympian, John Farrow.
Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
