2024 might mark the year of the Paris Olympics, but it also heralds a special anniversary for Dame Kelly Holmes. Believe it or not, it's been 20 years since the world witnessed the retired professional athlete's epic double gold victory in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens games: a feat that forever cemented her place in history books as the oldest woman to win either event, let alone both at the same time - and in the hearts of the British public. And the good news is that Dame Kelly is still going strong today.
'Here I am, two decades after I won my Olympic gold medals at the age of 34, and I'm now running more - and have more endurance - than ever!' exclaims the Nuffield Health ambassador. 'In fact, I swear I haven't been this good a runner since I retired. I do parkruns on a Saturday, along with a long run during the week and some weight training, and I'm more competitive now than anybody in my age group because I don't want anyone to beat me. I'm determined to win a gold medal in something this year, even if it's for a 5K.'
It's inspiring stuff to say the least, but Dame Kelly's ongoing pursuit of health, fitness and longevity hasn't always been plain sailing. The former elite middle-distance runner is the first to admit to her on-and-off battles with injury and mental health since her sporting retirement. And these issues were exacerbated not so long ago by the onset of perimenopause, which left her experiencing so much body pain and fatigue she was quoted in 2023 as saying, 'perimenopause is killing me'.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2024 من Women's Fitness UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2024 من Women's Fitness UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
'Balance in Body & Mind is Important to the Life I Lead Now' - Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE talks about finding balance after retirement, learning to say no' and why she firmly believes that sport is for all
If you thought Ellie Simmonds would be swapping life in the fast lane for a slower pace when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago, you’d be mistaken. Because, according to the 29-year-old multiple world record breaker – who captured the hearts of the British public back in 2008 after winning her first Paralympic gold at the tender age of 13 – she’s not ready to slow down yet. In fact, she’s just getting started.
Get lean AND FIT!
Set yourself up for success with our foolproof two-week food and fitness plan
'I used to watch as a fan- now I represent England!"
Aged just 17, cricketer Sophie Ecclestone made her international debut for England Women. By 2020, she became the number one ranked bowler in the world a title she stills holds today. Here, she tells WF about her journey so far and her hopes to inspire the next generation of cricket stars.
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS...
Find sanctuary in nature with the Women’s Fitness guide to forest bathing
I'm grateful for the freedom I now feel'
Eve Boggenpoel talks to Alice Liveing about her past abuse, the pressures of being a social media icon and how she turned her life around to find inner peace
FIT TECH
If you exercise without tracking it, did you exercise at all? Don’t take the risk of missing a session: strap the best running watch to your wrist with these top picks
GOLDEN GIRLS
What’s it like to win an Olympic gold medal? And what does it take to stand at the top of the podium? We asked the women who know, and find out their ones to watch’ for Paris 2024
Olympic INSIDER
Olympian-turned-broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye reports on her love of sport, who she’s excited to watch at the Paris Games and why she loves dressage...
5 ways to...LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Got a maxed-out to do’ list? Stay calm and collected with these food and lifestyle tips from nutritionist Rob Hobson
CLOCK UP YOUR SUMMER STEPS!
Creator and founder of The WalkActive App, Joanna Hall is passionate about helping you get more from your walks. Here, she shares her top tips to reap the rewards from your rambles and walk yourself fitter, healthier and happier this summer
