After a stunning 2018 season that saw her win all five elite races she entered, paratriathlete Lauren Steadman has already set her sights on upgrading her Rio 2016 silver to gold at Tokyo 2020.
Attempting to improve on a year that also saw her participate in Strictly Come Dancing may be tough, but with the Paralympics test event in Tokyo in August and then the world championships two weeks later, Steadman is determined to ensure the best possible preparation for 2020.
However, the reigning world and European champion also revealed she has more personal goals that keep her going – even down to beating her coaches in training.
Lauren Steadman is looking to continue her fantastic form from 2018 into the new season
She said: ‘I got silver at Rio so I would love to bring home that gold medal and I will do everything in my power to do that.
‘Even though I am leading the world, everybody has a benchmark and that is me at the moment so I need to improve my game and my standards.
‘I have my own personal goals. My coach is a monster on the bike so I would love to just ruin him on the bike.'
Steadman initially competed in swimming, and raced at London 2012 (above) and Beijing 2009
Despite only turning 26 in December, Steadman - who was born without her lower right arm - has already been to three Paralympics, competing as a swimmer aged 15 at Beijing 2008 and then at London 2012.
A switch to triathlon helped secure a silver at Rio 2016, and means Portsmouth-based Steadman is well-placed to reflect on the rapid rise in visibility of para-sports over the past decade.
She said: ‘London 2012 was a turning point for that, in broadcasting to the whole world just how inspirational the Paralympics can be.
‘Some of the feats people achieved in going beyond what is physically possible was absolutely amazing.
‘With the likes of Strictly getting Paralympians involved is helping to broadcast that it is ability not disability.
‘In para-triathlon we made our debut at Rio and there will be more categories next year. It is definitely getting stronger and it is moving in the right direction but there is so much more to do.’
Mike Bushell will also be participating in Tri January, which has three different distances
Steadman has teamed up with British Triathlon to help front the Tri January campaign to encourage more people to take up regular exercise.
Participants will set one of three goals at the start of the month, and reach that target through a combination swimming, cycling and running.
The 25-year-old stressed that there is no set balance, and that the main goal is simply to set achievable goals to increase regular exercise and keep it sustainable – something that has helped her throughout her career.
Steadman will be taking on the maximum 50km distance, while Mike Bushell leads the 25km sprint distance and for beginners You Me and the
