Hey! I’m Jackie Narracott, Australia’s top ranked Skeleton athlete. This year is my biggest yet preparing for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, KOR.
For 6 months of the year I work 30 hours a week on top of full time training and for the other 6 months I travel the world going headfirst down a mountain faster than you can legally drive a car. Training at this time of year consists of lots of sprinting, lifting and pushing a dry land sled. The whole aim of summer training is to get us as fit and fast as possible for the season ahead. I’m pleased to say that so far so good for me this year. Obviously with pushing our bodies as hard as we do little niggles show up from time to time. For me, it’s constant shin splints from being on my feet all day. Also this year I’ve tweaked my shoulder and my calf. Thankfully I’ve got Rocktape to keep me going. I don’t think there’s been a running session since May that I haven’t done with my shins taped. It’s what works when all the icing, compression and self massage aren’t enough. It got me through last year and it’s gotten me through again this year. Additionally this year I’ve used it to help treat my shoulder and calf. I’ve always used it on muscles to relax and support them but my shoulder was the first time I’ve used it for structural support. The difference it made was huge. We only had to modify a couple of sessions because it calmed it down and held it in the right position. By no means do I use it as a replacement for normal treatment (ice, physio, self massage), instead it’s an additional tool that keeps me on track. Access to treatment on tour isn’t always easy so it’s great to know I’ve got something in my bag that I know can help get me through.
I cannot wait to get away and back onto ice! The goal this year is definitely an Olympic medal. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for as long as I can remember so knowing its only months away is brilliant. It’s going to be incredibly tough, there’s plenty of girls capable of being on that podium. After that we’ll just have to wait and see.