Rio success prepared Sheffield-based Bryony Page to deal with extra attention
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The 30-year-old, who has been confirmed as one of two trampoline athletes in Team GB alongside team-mate Laura Gallagher, came from nowhere to reach the podium in Brazil in 2016.
And Page, who has previously spoken candidly of confidence and mental health concerns, admitted she initially found her sudden bounce to prominence somewhat uncomfortable.
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Hide AdPage said: “At first it was a little bit daunting because I’m quite an introverted person, so it was hard when someone knew my story or came up to chat with me.
“I’m quite shy so it was a little bit daunting at first. But having that experience in Rio has given me more confidence and helped me grow as a person.”
Page’s early career was afflicted by a condition known as ‘lost skills syndrome’, whereby athletes find it sporadically impossible to execute routine skills.
She has subsequently managed to keep the impact of the condition at bay, and believes her success in Rio has relieved her of the fear that she might finish her career having failed to reached the heights to which she aspired.
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Hide Ad“I had always felt like someone who would never achieve her potential, so being able to do that in Rio took a bit of the weight off my shoulders, and allowed me to train with more freedom,” Page added.
“It’s given me greater confidence and self-belief.”