Athlete:

Jessica Gallagher

JESSICA GALLAGHER

Profession Athlete/ Osteopath/ motivational speaker

What does your standard training week involve?
Training 6 days a week, 3 strength and conditioning and a variety of bike sessions on the road, ergo and track

Favourite training venue/environment:
Alpine Skiing- bluebird day Slalom training Vail, Colorado
Cycling- TDB shop ride with the crew

Favourite 2XU garment, when you use it and why:
MSC compression tights. I love and live in these. The compression allows me to recover quicker between training sessions, they’re also super comfy and allow my body to move freely at training (and at home!).

Favourite training accessory (ie. heart rate monitor, power meter, pool buoy):
The dry tech backpack. It fits SO much but compresses down really well when closed which makes it perfect for riding with when I’m on my bike to and from training. It’s also waterproof which is really important for when riding in the wet to stop all my gear getting soaked!

Toughest experience in your career & what you learned from it:
Losing a team mate in a race crash. I learnt there is so many more important things in life than sport.

What’s the most common training mistake you see on the circuit? Any suggestions on how to avoid it?
Training overload. Athletes know how to work hard but tend to forget that recovery is a vital component to improving. Listening to your body is really important.

What motivates you to train and race harder?
The challenge to be the best version of me and to see how far my body will go. The desire to be the best in the world at what I do.

Describe your diet/meal plan in the week leading to a big race:
As a track sprinter power to weight ratio is really important so my meal plan is very consistent. High protein, low carbs, healthy.

How do you balance out your training/racing regime with life outside sport?
It’s a constant challenge! But life outside of sport and life balance is incredibly important, skills like time management, prioritizing and organization help a lot!

What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful (either for training or competition)?
Protein powder and probiotics.

Best and worst thing about being a professional athlete:
Best: Getting to do what you love as a job.
Worst: The financial strains.

In five years time, I'll be:
I’ll likely be retired so following my heart and doing what I love in life outside of sport!

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Bio/standing results

• First Australian athlete to medal at a summer and winter Paralympics (or Olympics)
• Australia’s first female Paralympic winter medalist
• World Champion and world record holder tandem match sprint
• Australian representative in 3 sports (alpine skiing, athletics and track cycling)

2016- Rio Summer Paralympics bronze medal tandem 1km Time Trial, World Champion & WRH tandem match sprint, World Championship bronze tandem 1km Time Trial.

• 2014- Sochi Winter Paralympics bronze medal Giant Slalom, Slalom 7th, numerous World Cup gold medals. World ranking Slalom 1.
• 2012- London Summer Paralympics 5th Long Jump, 7th Javelin
• 2011- World Championship silver Long Jump, bronze Javelin
• 2010- Vancouver Winter Paralympics bronze Slalom, 7th Giant Slalom

List of 2XU gear you use/prefer

Bio/standing results

1. WA3063b MSC Compression tights
2. WR4002a Recovery hoodie
3. UY3701g Tech Dry Backpack