Triathletes can push themselves quite hard, and I have seen people collapse on a barrier or pass out on a bike. Alistair Brownlee barrierbikecollapse Change image and share on social
When you ride fast and then rest for a bit, it causes a spike in your heart rate and helps your body deal with lactic acid. But you don't need to make it too complicated. Yorkshire is perfect because the hills work as intervals - you ride up them hard and then recover before the next one. Or you can just sprint to the next tree or lamppost. Alistair Brownlee acidbitebody share on social
I knew I wanted to be a professional triathlete, but I didn't know it was possible until I won the junior champs. My dad said I should give Cambridge a go to see if I could do both, but it was only ever a trial. Alistair Brownlee cambridgechampdad share on social
Schools are really, really important. It gives you access to every kid in the country. It gives you a massive pool of people to see who might be talented at different sports. It allows kids to try sports. Kids can be inspired all they want, but if they can't go out and try a sport, then it's no good. Alistair Brownlee accesscountrygood share on social
Rio was always going to be on the schedule for me, whether I had won in London or not. Triathlon is one of those sports where the Olympics is always the most important and the most interesting race, and I always wanted to have a crack at Rio and defend my title. Alistair Brownlee crackdefendimportant share on social
I did a term at Cambridge University studying medicine, so I could potentially have followed in Mum and Dad's footsteps and become a doctor. Alistair Brownlee cambridgedaddoctor Change image and share on social
As a family, we were always active. Lots of walking, lots of running as well as riding bikes with dad. Alistair Brownlee activebikedad Change image and share on social
I don't know whether endurance sports attract obsessional people, or training for endurance sports makes people obsessional... it's the chicken and the egg. Alistair Brownlee attractchickenegg Change image and share on social
I was lucky enough to go to a school which gave flexibility around education and sport. We had a 1-hour, 30-minute lunch break, and were able to train during this time. Alistair Brownlee breakeducationflexibility Change image and share on social