#221 Earn your stripes with Neil Fachie

Sep 22, 2020

Neil was born with a degenerative eye condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa.

His sight loss has played a constant factor in his life, helping him to develop his problem solving skills, adaptability and resilience. Neil became a full-time athlete in 2006, following his graduation from the University of Aberdeen. With British Athletics he achieved selection to represent ParalympicsGB at Beijing 2008 in the 100m & 200m.

A disappointing Paralympic debut led to Neil losing his funding. After a challenging period, he realised that the only way to achieve his dreams was to reinvent himself. He joined British Cycling in 2009, and made rapid progress. Later that year he became a double World Champion and double World Record holder. His ambition was realised in 2012, when on home soil he won gold at the London Paralympic Games.

This led to him receiving an MBE for services to cycling the following year. A long career followed, culminating in 26 medals won at major champions,19 of which are gold, and he’s not done yet.

In the episode we spoke about:

 

- Why was Beijing 2008 Paralympics a low for you?

 

- Talk us through the transition from UK Athletics to British Cycling

 

- When you were unemployed did you ever think you would be a 14 x World Champion?

 

- Hearing yourself saying "Just Go Through The Motions" how does that sit with you now?

 

- Can you tell us what are your 5 key areas to areas to achieving success

 

- What's it like being inside British Cycling who are at the fore front of using sports psychology?

 

- Have you ever been star struck?

 

- Which was the more iconic venue to compete at? The London 2012 Velodrome (AKA "The Pringle") or The Bird's Nest at Beijing 2008?

 

- Does the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 come close to London 2012 Paralympics?

 

Amongst others

You can learn more about Neil via his website earn-your-stripes.co.uk and get his Free Gift here as well as connecting with him on Instagram. 

For more information about The Mindset Athlete by connect with us on Facebook @mindsetgamepodcast

For more information about James Roberts (the host of the podcast), visit fitamputee.co.uk and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram