BMX hero Sarah Walker 'BEING A MUM COMES FIRST'

The Olympic legend opens up about her traumatic birth, the changes her body has been through and what comes next for her stellar career

- Sharon Sarah wears Harrie & Sam

At first glance, Sarah Walker appears to be like any other first-time mum. There are piles of neatly folded baby clothes nearby, a breast pump by her side and mothers' group appointments highlighted on the calendar.

But look closely and tucked into a corner of the Cambridge home Sarah, 34, shares with her husband Vin Elliott, 33, and their three-month-old daughter Maia, you'll see the silver medal Sarah won at the Olympic Games in London, along with the trophies the three-time BMX world champion was awarded over her 24-year sporting career.

When Woman's Day calls to chat, the bubbly brunette has just managed to get Maia to take a nap.

"Maia is a really good baby, but sometimes she's not that keen on sleeping" admits Sarah. "She's very determined to do things, such as rolling from her back on to her belly. If she wants something, she'll never give up a bit like her mum!"

Sarah has hung up her bike for the immediate future to focus on raising her first child, a process she jokingly says has many parallels with her years - of training and discipline.

"My training's all about being methodical, so if there's an issue, I go through a checklist process to figure out what it is and how to deal with it," the athlete tells.

"I've focused on that process with Maia, so if she's crying, I run though the possibilities of her being hungry, tired, too hot or too cold. It really does help."

For someone who's such a natural mother, it's a surprise to hear Sarah say that before Maia arrived in April, she'd never held a baby before!

"I have always wanted kids but hadn't had much experience with them," she confesses. "I've also been pretty busy, spending six days a week training for years, which doesn't leave time for much else."