Life lessons: former Olympian Aimee Fuller on what life so far has taught her

My morning ritual is … 

Movement and coffee. I love to move. It’s my time that I always protect for myself. No matter if I’ve got a 6am start or 10am start somewhere, I’ll always do something. It could be a little walk, yoga, a run or a kickboxing session, but I always move before I turn up somewhere. That’s my headspace and my happy place. 

 I feel optimistic about … 

Our chance of doing well at this year’s Winter Olympics. We’ve got a really great team – there’s great strength and depth in a range of sports. 

What makes me angry … 

People being late. It’s disrespectful of people’s time. 

If I wasn’t a snowboarder and broadcaster, I’d have liked to become … 

A weather woman. I’m fascinated by the weather. It’s played a huge role in my career. I like the idea of standing there, bringing good news and good vibes to people across the country when the weather is good. 

The habit that has served me best in life … 

Being kind, being open and not being judgemental. Until you’ve really met someone or spoken to them or spent any time with them, you don’t know who they are. 

The habit I’ve successfully kicked … 

I haven’t had Mentos for at least four days. They’ve become a personal nemesis. It’s my best friend’s fault. She got me some mint ones, then some fruit ones, and I eat them too much. But I’m trying… 

Until you’ve really met someone or spoken to them or spent any time with them, you don’t know who they are

My sources of joy are … 

Friendship, travel, health… The best time you can have is free time, when there’s no clock or boundary stopping you from living in the moment and being with the ones you love. 

At the start of my career, snowboarding was such a creative outlet and I loved being on the mountain. Towards the end of my career, that definitely changed. There’s pressure –  your career is on the line, there’s money involved and sponsors, and that changes the dynamic. But that was where I found space and freedom initially. 

When things get tough I … 

Either go for a really long run and work it out in my head, or I speak to my family. 

The book I wish everyone would read … 

The Gladiator Mindset by [English swimmer] Adam Peaty. He didn’t have an easy run but he’s been at the top of his game. It shows you that anything is possible and that life is a choice. Things aren’t going to always be pretty but it’s discipline that keeps you turning up time and time again.   

The big thing I’ve changed my mind about in life … 

I’ve learned, through snowboarding, to never be defined by one thing in life. I will never be defined as a snowboarder because I’m so much more than that, just like every person I meet –  they’re not just one person. You should never be defined by one thing. 

What keeps me awake at night … 

Excitement for life and living. Last night, I struggled to sleep because I was so excited for today and my plans for tonight. I’m surprising my best friend –  I’ve put her face on a billboard in Leicester Square –  and then I’m going for steak and chips with my mum. 

The thing that motivates me most of all … 

Showing up for myself. We all have good days and bad days. You can always turn it around. Many days, I’ve woken up and I’m, like, “What am I doing?” But then you show up for yourself –  you go for a little run, you remove the pressure, and, before you know it, you’ve turned it around. It’s always a choice. 

A lot of people in life don’t care about you, so you need to make sure you spend time with those people who love you

My parents taught me … 

My mum and dad are so solid. My dad is probably better in a crisis and my mum is great for day-to-day chat. They’ve both had a major impact on my career. Some of the one-liners my mum said to me changed my life and my attitude forever. They were never pushy parents, but I was in a really tricky position for qualifying for my first Olympic Games, because I was ranked about 70th and I needed to get into the top 12, so I said to my mum “I’m not going to go to the pre-Olympics press day because I’m not going to the Winter Olympics, as I haven’t qualified.” And she said “You’re going unless someone tells you otherwise.” My mindset switched. It changed my focus. I learned resilience from my mum.

I have this theory that … 

You’re a product of your environment. The people around you matter so much, so make sure that the people you’re around and spend time with day-to-day are people you love. A lot of people in life don’t care about you, so you need to make sure that the time you spend on this planet is with those people who love you. You are nothing without the people around you. 

I’d like to tell my younger self… 

That dreaming during physics class about snowboarding manoeuvres was definitely the right decision.

Aimee Fuller will be reporting on-site from the Olympic Winter Games Milano-Cortina 2026 for TNT Sports from Feb 6-22 

Image: C1 Media