Katarina Johnson-Thompson on training, taking time out and her beauty go-tos
Heptathlon and indoor pentathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thomspon fills WH in on her favourite mode of escapism, supporting her mates and why sporting success isn't just about the medals.
Her proudest achievements don't all involve winning
Qualifying for the Olympics back in 2012 is probably my biggest professional achievement. I was super young, out of my depth and there was no way I should have been able to qualify. It was the most exciting moment of my career.
But more recently, just getting to the starting line at the Tokyo Olympics after such a hard injury [an achilles rupture] in December 2020 – even though I couldn’t finish – was huge.
She's flexible with her fuelling
I don’t follow a rigid diet like some athletes do. On a typical day, I’ll have a fruit smoothie and eggs on toast for breakfast, then lunch on a chicken wrap or similar; later, it’s a big pasta dinner. It’s important that I eat enough to fuel my training. During my off-season, when I’m not in training, I enjoy macaroni cheese and pizza. After living in France for five years, I love a nice glass of wine– mine’s a merlot.
She supports her friends
Liverpudlians tend to stick by their own: I’m so proud of [actress and former school friend] Jodie Comer. She works as hard as an Olympic athlete in terms of what she puts into her craft.
She revels in solitude
I’m an only child and very happy in my own company. It’s important for me to take time for myself; I escape using a good book. I review every book I read and keep them in a folder on my phone. One of my favourites? Love And Other Thought Experiments by SophieWard (£8.99, Little, Brown Book Group)– it’s really strange, but so good.
She keeps up her industry knowledge
I dropped out of a sports science degree after the 2012 Olympics to be a full-time athlete, but I still keep up with scientific studies. I’m especially interested in psychology and love reading books by [psychiatrist] Professor Steve Peters.
Her beauty routine is lowkey
I keep it simple when it comes to beauty: I love Glossier skincare and Fenty Beauty for make-up. Sleep helps, too. When I’m jet-lagged [after flying out to Florida to train], I sleep 7pm to 8am, then enjoy a morning coffee in the sun, and my skin looks better than ever.
She takes time to rest
After the Tokyo Olympics, I didn’t do anything sporty for three months – it was the longest break I’ve ever had. I didn’t identify as an Olympic athlete at all; I hung out with my dogs and went to the Bahamas with my mum, which is where her family are from. She hadn’t been for so long and it’s a lovely mother-daughter memory. Now I’m rested – mentally and physically – and raring to go once more.
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