Caroline Buchanan is an exceptionally talented and highly accomplished BMX racer. She is fifteen times Australian National Champion, Five Times World Champion, Olympian and Current BMX World Cup Leader. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been coached by Wade Bootes since 2007. Your primary training base is on Queensland’s Gold Coast. You had a cycling scholarship with the ACT Academy of Sport. You were ignited and made competitive BMX and mountain bike racing as your career and reached the pinnacle of success by winning world championship in September 2013 the elite women’s title at the UCI World Four Cross Championships in Leogang, Austria. In July you also won the UCI BMX World Championships in New Zealand. Tell us about your journey that took you to where you are now in the world of competitive BMX and mountain biking racing racing and what factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I believe many factors have made me successful. Throughout my career I have always stayed true to myself. When I was growing up mum always said to me “be yourself. everyone else is taken” just B.U! This is what lead me to race the boys growing up, start downhill and 4 cross mountain biking when many said I should focus on BMX. Cut my hair short when I wanted to when many said keep it long. I enjoy jumping off the nice path to the top and create my own trail in a unique way.
Having an edge on your competition in professional sport is hard and every % counts. Mentally, emotionally & physically it takes the whole package to get to the top and stay on top.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How could you overcome the element of fear in BMX and mountain bike racing as a sport?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I was born into an competitive, successful sporting family. So for me I knew nothing different then to just go out there and do it. My parents have always be very supportive and guided me to get back on the bike and never be defeated by setbacks. I am an adrenaline junkie that loves speed and excitement. BMX ticks all those boxes.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I do 3 gym sessions a week in the pre season and off season. Track sessions, interval sprint training on the Watt Bike, swimming for some cross training, speed sprints, uphill sprints, skills sessions etc. Recovery is also big, so yoga, stretching & pilates are also part of what it takes.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Caroline Buchanan:
I try to follow a majority gluten free diet as well as a paleo style diet. However on the road it gets challenging. Eating clean healthy non processed foods makes a huge difference to energy levels as well as limiting sugar intake including sugar from fruit really helps me.
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