Name: Gemma Flynn
Age: 26
Instagram: @gemflynn
Miss FQ: Tell me about your journey to joining the New Zealand Black Sticks…
Gemma: In my last year of school I was deciding whether I go to Auckland or Canterbury for University when I lucky enough to get a trial for the black sticks hockey team. I went up to Auckland for the games and the coach suggested that Auckland would be the better place to study and 6 weeks later I was named in the team.
How has your life changed since you became a professional sportswoman in the public eye?
As long as you remain true to yourself and authentic then it’s not too much different if you are in the public eye. You want to be a good person and set a good example for younger kids whilst being true to yourself and your values.
You must have been working out a lot in the lead up to the Rio Olympics! What did your weekly training schedule look like?
We were training 6 days a week, 6 hockey sessions per week which are two hours and a mixture of high intensity running with games and skills. Also 2 gym sessions & yoga.
Do you have any pre-match routines or a ritual?
After we start getting ready, shower, uniform and pack bags I usually have a coffee with the girls and then before we leave listen to music on my headphones to get in the zone!
How do you recover?
I recover by having ice baths after the game followed by good recovery food and stretching and wearing compression tights to help the legs recover! Massage is also a great way to recover as well!
When you’re feeling like you really can’t be bothered, what motivates you to get up and go?
When I can’t be bothered, I think why I’m doing it and how good I’ll feel after. Even if it’s just a 30 min walk/ run. You’re just one work out away from feeling good. I also am part of a team that’s a huge motivator because you don’t want to let them down. So if you struggle sometimes join group fitness or call a friend to do some exercise with.
At Miss FQ we definitely believe wellness is just as important as fitness. How do you keep happy and mentally healthy? Especially when there’s so much pressure as a professional sportswoman?
I always say healthy body healthy mind. Fuelling myself with good food and sleep and surrounding myself with people who give me good energy is vital.
A photo posted by Gemma Flynn (@gemflynn) on
What advice do you have for young girls who want to go to the Olympics one day?
There are no shortcuts to a place worth going!
What does your 9-5 look like?
Wake up depending on training 6.30am, coffee and breakfast, training, recovery, lunch, work or admin, training, recovery, dinner and sleep!
What is your favourite pre-workout breakfast?
Pre workout is a green smoothie – banana, spinach, water, ice and yoghurt. That’s if I don’t have time before training to eat cereal (clean paleo) with yoghurt & banana or porridge.
Which sportswear item is your current MVP?
adidas’ women’s PURE BOOST X shoes.
If you could be someone else for a day, whose shoes would you choose to run a mile in?
Oprah’s, because she’s an amazing woman and has the ability to impact on so many people and change their lives. That would be an incredible thing to do.
We know it’s super important to eat healthy but everyone deserves a treat now and again. What’s your indulgent vice?
About once a week I will treat myself to a nice ice-cream or dessert out.
What does your perfect rest day look like?
A walk in the morning, breakfast out, time spent in the outdoors with people I am close with and a meal shared together.
If we peeped inside your sports bag, what would we find?
In my sports bag you would find my water bottle, head phones, wallet, adidas hoodie, Coola skincare, a hat, a book and my diary.
A photo posted by Gemma Flynn (@gemflynn) on
What’s on your workout playlist?
Spotify workout playlists!
