As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
Jade Wilcoxson, women’s professional cyclist with Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies, 34. Prior to cycling I worked full time as a Physical Therapist. I still pick up hours here and there when I’m home.
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
I would say it wasn’t one person in particular, as much as my entire soccer team that inspired me to stay fit and eat healthy. I started playing soccer when I was 8-years-old and basically played with the same girls all the way through high school. Having pressure to perform well for my team definitely inspired me to make healthy decisions growing up. Especially in high school, when there is so much pressure to participate in “unhealthy activities.”
3. What did they do to inspire you?
Being in a supportive team environment inspired me to stay fit. I never wanted to let my teammates down.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
I’m still very much a team player to this day and I still use those lessons I learned as a kid about sacrificing yourself and thinking of others before yourself. Those lessons are applicable in all aspects of both personal and professional relationships each and every day.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
I try to promote youth cycling within my community and the importance of teamwork within cycling.
What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Get outside!! I think the biggest problem we face today is just getting kids away from the television and computer screens. Once kids are outside they inevitably become more active. I think one great way to get kids outside is with team sports. Team sports help in every aspect of a child’s development, from developing important social skills to developing fitness, coordination and self-confidence. Children need to establish patterns of making good decisions for their health and fitness early in life because those patterns do follow them for the rest of your life.
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote?