Scott ‘treasuring’ every day on road to LA 2028Image source, GB RowingImage caption, Hannah Scott is looking forward to the new seasonByNigel RinglandBBC Sport NI senior journalistPublished33 minutes agoHannah Scott has already achieved her dream of becoming an Olympic champion.Almost two years on from that glorious day in Paris, the Coleraine sculler has had to come down from the incredible high and find the motivation once again as she approaches the halfway point to the next challenge – the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.She has had to battle illness and injury but now vows to cherish every day she can to compete in the sport she loves as she embarks on a new season this weekend in the first World Cup in Seville with renewed enthusiasm.”I’ve actually had a really positive training year,” Scott told BBC Sport NI.”I’ve been pretty excited about this season to come because I think last year, post-Paris, it was a bit of a building-back year for me, and I was managing a bit of illness and trying to get on top of things and also manage the Olympic comedown.”But I think this year I’ve been very clear on what I want to do with the season, and I want to get good, consistent training in and see what I can do.”Scott joins another Olympic champion Lola Anderson, Sarah McKay and fellow Northern Ireland sculler Finnola Stratton in a new look quadruple sculls line-up as preparations ramp up for the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam in August. “I returned after Paris because I didn’t think I was finished with the sport, and I wanted to enjoy it for what it was,” added Scott.”I still didn’t think at that point I’d reached my full potential. I feel like right now, time is moving really quickly, and I find myself in the summer with two years to go to LA, saying to myself, ‘we’re here already’.”And I’m trying to still treasure every moment of being an elite athlete because I won’t be this forever. I think I started to realise that after Paris, and that’s where I’ve really tried to hold on to it and enjoy the process as well for all the tough times we talk about.”Image source, Coleraine CouncilImage caption, Hannah Scott was awarded the freedom of the Borough of Causeway Coast and Glens earlier this yearScott taking on leadership roleOne thing that hasn’t changed is that Scott will be making the calls, just like she did in those final few hundred metres in the Olympic final when Great Britain edged the Netherlands on the final stroke.”I’m back to being the boss,” laughs Scott.”I feel way more comfortable this Olympic cycle being a leader for the scullers and maybe across the team.”Especially in the boat because I think naturally I fell into that position through to Paris. This time around, I feel more comfortable just saying I’m a leader and being a leader because we do need direction.”But also, good leaders are honest, and they’re not above anyone else. I’m very much just another part of the puzzle but I’m happy to share my experience to help others, which is something that I think has been quite helpful this cycle.”Scott certainly seems in a good place, drawing strength from the past as she builds to the future.”I have honestly reported every day since Paris, I’ve been grateful to be rowing and doing the job I’m doing because I absolutely love it, and I wouldn’t do anything else in the world.”I think being an elite sportswoman is just such a cool job and such a cool experience that it can’t last forever and I’m very aware of that.”So I’m just enjoying it, for as long as it lasts.”Related topicsOlympic Games
