With the one year anniversary of the Olympics now here Joanna Rowsell talks to the Sutton Guardian about life since her amazing gold medal win and how she is working towards Rio.
Last summer, on Saturday, August 4, Rowsell, 24, along with team mates Dani King and Laura Trott won Olympic Gold in the Velodrome.
The team set a new world record as they took on the United States in the women’s team pursuit final.
After eight years of hard work, the Olympic Gold medallist treated herself to a late night McDonalds meal in the Athletes Village and topped it all off with a McFlurry.
Now on the one-year anniversary, this Sunday, Rowsell will take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 which will see 20,000 people cycling the 100-mile course from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park through 12 London boroughs finishing on The Mall.
We caught up with Rowsell to find out what she has been up to during the last year.
How do you feel now that the one year anniversary of your gold medal win is coming up?
“I can hardly believe a year has passed since the Olympics. So much has happened and still so many people are excited to meet me and see my gold medal whenever I go to events.
“As an athlete it is natural to always be looking forward towards the next target but this week I have enjoyed looking back at my photos from the Games and it has brought all the memories flooding back.”
Has your life been different since the Olympics and do people recognise you?
“People recognise me a bit out and about, especially around Cheam, but mainly at cycling events I get a lot of attention.
“It is never a problem but I do need to allow more time when I go to a cycling event as there are always lots of photo and autograph requests.
“It is amazing how many people have said the Olympics has inspired them or their children to take up a new sport so that is fantastic to hear.”
Turning on the Christmas lights with the Mayor of Sutton
What are the most memorable things you’ve done in the last year?
“The most memorable thing I've done was going to Buckingham Palace to collect my MBE.
“I have actually been to the palace three times now. Once in November for a Team GB reception, then in February to collect my MBE and again in May for a garden party.
“I also went to watch X-Factor which was a great experience. I was invited to watch Wimbledon but unfortunately couldn't go as I'd had an operation just a few days earlier to have my tonsils out.”
Collecting her MBE
What plans are there for your future cycling career?
“I am back training on the track now for the forthcoming track season which starts in September.
“The event I won at the Olympics has now been changed to 4km from 3km and increased to four riders rather than three riders so that is a new challenge.
“I have also been racing on the road this year with a professional women's team and I will be competing in the World Championships for them in the team time trial event in September.
“My next big targets are the track World Championships next March and then the Commonwealth Games in a year's time but ultimately everything is working towards Rio.”
Rowsell with her medal and golden post box
Why have you chosen to take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100?
“The weekend of August 3-4 is a big event for cycling in London and a great legacy event.
“I am racing in a circuit race around St James's Park on Saturday and then on Sunday I am doing the 100 mile ride.
“This goes out into Surrey and covers many of the roads I use for training on.
“I am an ambassador for Action Medical Research and have been working with them for two years now so this was the perfect event for me to join them to celebrate one year on from winning Gold.”
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