Sunday 28 August 2016 08:50, UK
It's not been easy for an English athlete living in Wales over the last week while the two nations have battled for Euro 2016 supremacy.
But Holly Bradshaw has been taking it in her stride, despite a few tensions in Cardiff when Gareth Bale scored the opener against England!
GB's top pole vaulter has bigger things on her mind ahead of this weekend's British Championships (acting as the Olympic trials) at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham and a trip to Rio this summer.
The 24-year-old from Preston discusses dealing with the pressures of the Games, cheesecake desires and how she's changed since London 2012...
1. How's your winter training and pre-season build-up been?
It's been a great winter and like any athlete I've had my ups and downs throughout pre-season but on the whole it's gone well. I'm feeling in great shape - feeling strong and quick and vaulting is going great.
2. Any downtime in the last few months?
I always like to find a balance between training and having fun. The more I am enjoying life the better training goes so I like to do all kinds of fun things whether I'm training or not.
3. Any crazy Lego purchases?
Not recently which is upsetting! To be honest I have done more dismantling of Lego recently as we are moving house soon. On the bright side when I get settled in my new house I can spend hours and hours making all my Lego again.
4. After a few injury niggles, are you in good shape?
I am feeling in great shape. Maybe the best of my life! I've been eating super clean and training well so things seem to be going well.
I have had a few PBs in the gym recently and I'm feeling strong in my running and plyometric sessions (jump training). I just need to dial in my vaulting a touch more and I will be ready.
5. How was returning for the Birmingham Diamond League?
It was brilliant! I loved every minute. I love competing in front of a home crowd so despite the low performance I had an amazing time.
I felt a little rusty during the competition and couldn't quite find my jump in the competition setting but after a few more I am sure it will all come flooding back.
6. Having made the Rio qualifying mark, will your focus be fitness or cranking up through the gears in competition?
Both really. I have to make smart decisions in training so I don't risk anything ahead of the Olympics but also put in the necessary work to keep ticking along.
It is a very fine balance but my coach Scott Simpson does all the hard work from that point of view and I have to say he is brilliant at it!
We got the process just right last year leading into Beijing for the Worlds so I have 100 per cent faith Scott can do it again. I am using every competition as a building block towards the end game which is the Rio Olympic final.
7. Is it hard shutting out Rio when you've still got a job to do?
Not really. I like thinking about Rio and what's waiting for me. It's a very exciting year and I thrive on that.
The Olympics is a massive deal but it is what you make of it. I like to think of it as an exciting opportunity to compete for my country and show myself what I can do on a worldwide stage instead of letting the nerves and pressure play on my mind and destroy me.
I like to enjoy the journey and just take everything in my stride as it comes.
8. How does your head reflect on the 2012 Games?
I loved the London Olympics. It was a massive learning experience and I took so much away from it. I wouldn't be the athlete I was today if I hadn't had the experience I did.
9. How have you changed since 2012 on and off the track?
A lot in both areas. I am a more mature person both in life and as a pole vaulter. I have learnt many valuable lessons including getting the balance right between being professional and enjoying yourself. Both are vital.
10. Is the Olympics too big to be able to enjoy it?
Not at all - I enjoyed every minute of London! You just have to concentrate day by day on the process and believe in yourself. If you do that then you relax and enjoy yourself, safe in the knowledge you are doing or have done everything you can to prepare for this great opportunity.
11. Your boyfriend proposed after the final in London - will he beat that in Brazil? How will you celebrate a medal in Brazil?
I don't like drinking alcohol and haven't since my wedding day (which was kind of forced on me!) So I definitely won't be celebrating with a drink other than diet fizzy.
If I got on the podium, I'd like to go for a meal with the guys who helped me get there. Maybe a cheeky slice of cheesecake or maybe a whole one!
12. Wales or England at Euro 2016?
It's a little awkward being an England fan living in Wales. Although I love Wales, I am English through and through.
I was on the edge of my seat watching England v Wales, but boy it was a good feeling when Daniel Sturridge slotted that goal in!
When Gareth Bale scored the opener I thought I would have to stay in my house and miss training - the stick I would have got wouldn't have been worth leaving my lounge.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS
23-26 JUNE: Lucy Garner, National Road Cycling Champs, Stockton-on-Tees
24-26 JUNE: Holly Bradshaw, Jessica Judd at British Championships, Birmingham
25-26 JUNE: Quillan Isidore, British BMX Round 7 & 8, Burgess Park
