Bryony Shaw Quotes
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I was very self-conscious about my body from a young age. At school, I played football and netball and did ballet as well so was very athletic. I wasn't curvaceous; I had muscles on my arms and shoulders. Often I felt like hiding them rather than showing them off, as I felt they were masculine.
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I hate my arms. If I wear a nice dress, I can't go strapless or sleeveless because my arms just aren't feminine.
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Bigger girls go faster in the wind; lighter girls go better in the calm. Around 57kg is the ideal weight for women in my windsurfing class.
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When I started windsurfing, it was a hobby, and I enjoyed the lifestyle. Then it became an Olympic dream. Now I've achieved that with a medal. I just feel so lucky.
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One of my strengths is my explosive power. Especially at the start line, where you have to accelerate faster than your competitor. I train for that by lifting barbells. It helps your hips thrust and your muscles twitch faster, and it builds strength. But I don't do too much gym work because I don't want to bulk up.
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At a young age, it is hard to be different from the crowd. I want to encourage young girls that it is cool to be different. Young women should be pleased they have something unique and make the most of their talent.
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Windsurfers are fitter than sailors. We're so much more kinetic. In some boats, you can literally sit there and smoke your pipe - it's much more civilised!