At 45, Kelly Holmes has experienced the kind of success most can only dream of, winning Olympic gold in the 800-metre and 1,500m track events at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, making her only the third woman ever to win the double. But her path to victory was far from easy. Holmes grew up in a working-class family in the United Kingdom, and in later years contracted a string of debilitating injuries that triggered severe clinical depression. A little more than a decade since her Olympic triumph, the middle-distance runner and former army sergeant talks about her rise to the top and how mass-participation events such as Dubai’s Electric Run, which she plans to take part in, are a great way to keep fit.
What was it like coming from such humble beginnings and then winning not one but two gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games?
It was so bizarre because it was the first time in seven years that I was injury-free, and so I went into 2004 with the most confidence I’d ever had. The 800m came first. I won literally by the thickness of my shirt and I was so shocked. I knew I could get a medal, but I didn’t even think about gold. Winning the 800m helped me to win the 1,500m because I didn’t have the pressure and, for once, I just ran and competed rather than focusing on doubts.
How intensive was your training in the lead-up to the Olympics?
I did a two-week block of intensive training. I wanted to capitalise on the fact that I was injury-free and maximise that final preparation time. I trained six days a week, twice a day, but at world-class pace with minimal rest. We pushed my body to the extreme, increasing protein intake and focusing on recovery. I had lots of ice baths in wheelie bins.
For seven consecutive years before the Olympics you suffered some form of injury. What mental toll did that take?
It was really hard. When you rise up the ranks of your sport, you experience so much adrenaline, but then you get the knock-backs. Initially, they’re OK because you learn from them and become stronger, but you’re a human being as well and things got really bad for me. I had depression in 2003, which took its toll. You wouldn’t expect that from someone who’s been in the military and who’s been an international athlete. At the end of the day though, when you have this dream and you put everything you’ve got into it, the experience is emotional as well as physical.
How did you overcome depression?
Ultimately, by believing in myself. Having a dream and a goal is important because that’s what makes people drive and strive. If you don’t have a goal then you don’t know where you’re going. I think because I still had my dream, I knew why I was going through the ups and downs. That gave me hope.
And having the Olympics just around the corner must have been a huge motivator.
Absolutely. Going into 2004, I knew I just had to focus on my stuff, believe in everything that I’d ever done and have the best team around me. I knew I could do it. I don’t know why. I just knew deep inside that eventually I could fulfil my dream.
After experiencing such lows what was it like to be made a dame by the Queen?
It was a massive honour. I didn’t expect to become a dame. The day was so much fun. My mum, stepdad, grandad and I were picked up from the council estate where I grew up. It was such an amazing day because I was able to share it with them.
Moving on to 2015, why should readers participate in the Electric Run?
The Electric Run is a fun, energised activity that people can take part in, even if they’ve never done 5 kilometres before. It’s not a race, so people can walk if they like, and they can do it on their own or with friends. It starts in the evening and there will be lots of neon lights and fancy dress. I love taking part and having a laugh, and if I want to run it fast, I can, and if I want to jog with people, I can do that, too.
