Steve Backley Professional Athlete Interview

Steve Backley Athlete

Introduction

The following is an interview with Steve Backley OBE, who is a retired Athlete and was a Javelin thrower. Steve established himself as one of the all-time greats of his sport having been ranked in the world’s top ten every year between 1989 and 2002. Steve is the only British track and field competitor to win medals at three different Olympic Games. He broke the World Record three times and was crowned ‘World Athlete of the Year’ by the IAAF in 1990. Steve now runs a business coaching company with fellow retired athlete Roger Black: www.backleyblack.com.

 

1.What has been the best piece of advice you have received?

Don't get injured!!

Kind of stating the obvious really but still is, for a performance athlete - the Holy Grail.

So, how do you do it?

Well simply put - prevention is better than a cure. I think most would agree with this.

To prevent, we need a crystal ball. In physiotherapy terms I believe this is do-able.

Follow these basic rules...

1. Visit your physio when you are healthy and get an MOT.

2. Always strive for symmetry

3. If you are in an asymmetrical sport - shag!! (this is an American term for practising the movement with the opposite side) -  in simple terms if you are a right handed thrower - throw left handed (applies to tennis, football, rugby etc)

4. Break stereotypical movement - try to have a decent and well-rounded skill set.

5. Be well conditioned before starting explosive or intense training

6. Listen to your body - just because a session suits someone else doesn't mean it won't wreck you!

7. Be patient and rest well.

 

2. How important is nutrition to your success and performance?

 Fairly - I think it depends on the sport.

Staying healthy is very important and of course this is reflected in your diet. I think the diet should always reflect the output too. If you are in a strength phase you may want to increase your protein intake. In an endurance phase quality carbs are essential.

See it simply as fuel.

 

3. Please could you outline your nutrition during a normal training day and then on a competition day?

 As above, it would depend on the phase but in training:

1. Breakfast - porridge with 50g of protein added

2. Snack - nuts and raisins

3. Lunch - omelette and salad

4. Snack - protein drink and some fruit

5. Dinner - fist size of quality protein + fresh vegetables

Comp day - whatever I fancied.

 

4. Please could you outline what a normal day of training involves?

 Again depends on the phase.

Session 1:

Warm up + foot drills

Hurdle drills

Sledge pulling

Plyometrics

Weights - low reps typically 1 - 8 reps

Swim

 

Session 2

Jog 20 mins

1 hour of game - leg ball or tennis

Medicine ball

Throwing balls

Elastics - specific strengtheners

Swim + sauna

 

5. What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get fit and improve their health?

Eat well and work hard. Most people associate being fit by being the right weight. This is more dictated by the food intake. I like a low carb approach when I’m in this phase.

 

6. From your experience, for instance pre-season training, have you got any tips on how to stay motivated when the training gets tough and challenging?

 Keep an eye on the prize.

There is a lovely saying from the world of business coaching which I am involved with now and that is - begin with the end in mind. It keeps us focussed on where we are going. I think it helps.

 

 7. What has been the highlight of your career?

Probably sustaining a high level for so long. I was world record holder at 21years old and then was world ranked number one some 13 years later for the final time. Climbing the mountain is easy; staying at the top is the challenge!

 

I would like to say a big thank you to Steve for taking the time and effort to answer these questions and to provide an insight into his professional lifestyle, it is much appreciated. I am sure that it will provide a useful insight into the life of a professional sportsman and help you to pick up some advice and tips that you can use to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Please see Steve’s websites at http://www.stevebackley.com and  www.backleyblack.com, which is where the introduction has come from.

 

Thank you for your time and feedback. It is really appreciated.

 

“Together, we’ll achieve your goals”

Matt Swierzynski

E: matt@mattswaz.co.uk

M: 07936654876

W: www.mattswaz.co.uk

 

"Matt is an extremely inspirational personal trainer, he’s always motivated, dedicated, supportive and up for the challenge"