We thought it would be good for everyone following Buy Britain to get to know Amanda, our Brand Ambassador, a bit better – so we asked her a few questions…
Q: What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory is me on a pony on Blackpool beach with my mum and dad.
Q: Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child?
I grew up in the town of South Shields, as I child I was either singing with my mum in the kitchen while baking giant tin cakes to Buddy Holly and Patsy Cline or playing out in the street with friends. I was quite shy as a child.
Q: When and why did you join the Army?
I joined the army at 16 years old. I joined to prove my brother wrong. Lol.
Q: How did you get into Biathlon?
I got into Biathlon through the Army going on an adventure training opportunity.
Q: How do you balance your Army duties with your Biathlon?
Over the years I have managed to keep both my sporting career and Army career in balance, doing the necessary courses to stay current for my job.
Q: Was going to the Olympics as an athlete something you always dreamed of, and what was it like going to your first Olympics?
As an athlete the first time I thought about the Olympics was 2010 and I remember thinking to myself, if I apply myself for just 4 years of hard work and determination, then I have a chance at becoming an Olympian.
Q: What are your goals for Beijing?
Currently qualifying for Beijing is my first goal. Once I qualify then it would be amazing to have my personal best of my career!
Q: What’s an average week like at the moment?
I’m currently in my summer training preparation. That consists of 20-25hrs a week of physical training. Biathletes are made in the summer.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
Washing, cleaning my rifle, shopping… haha.. but if I get all that done then chilling with a Netflix series or crocheting.
Q: What’s your favourite colour?
Hmm… I would say light blue.
Q: What makes you laugh?
My brother, my partner, my friends.
Q: What’s your food heaven and your food hell?
Food heaven – fish and chips
Food hell – sweet and sour sauce on anything. Yuk.
Q: You say you like watching movies – do you have a favourite genre/movie/actor?
Romcoms are my favourite.. the good old Dirty Dancing “no one puts Baby in the corner” – and Bridesmaids…hilarious!
Q: Who would you compare your singing voice to?
Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston… whilst in the shower.. lol.. however others might say a dying cat.. 🙀
Q: If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?
John Lennon.
Q: What are your plans post Beijing
Good question!