Does your training schedule allow for hormonal fluctuations – ie a regular menstrual cycle – and how do you manage those?

Being part of a mixed crew means we have to work together to ensure we both peak at the right time. So while we have a generalised training programme from our head coach that dictates our training schedule throughout the year, there are some opportunities for individualisation within that. For example, if I’m feeling weaker or stronger at certain parts of my cycle, then I might change what I’m doing in the weights room. But we have a check-in when we come in every day to work these things out, so it’s easy to do. At the end of the day, communication is key.

When you’ve got a big competition coming up, how do you prepare?

I always make sure to start my preparation the night before by laying out my kit and ensuring I’ve got everything I need. Turning up and looking the part is a big part of my race day mindset, so I like to check every little detail. On the morning of a competition, I usually have to wake up early (at the Paralympics we’ve been getting up at 5am every day to get to the rowing venue), but I always make sure I have time to do my hair and check that everything’s looking good.

Once I’m at the venue, I start doing my visualisations and thinking about the race ahead. I try to think of every section of the race ahead and imagine how I’m going to feel and what I’m going to do at each moment. Doing that helps me to feel more confident I know when I’m in the race that I’ve already pictured the scenario I’m in.

After that’s done and I’m on the start line, I just try really hard to be in the moment. It’s easy to get distracted by what’s going on around you, so I focus on deep breathing and ground myself by thinking about what’s ahead.

“It felt completely different”: Lauren Rowles on the mindset change that helped her make history in Paris