Summary

  • Commonwealth Games gold medallist swimmer Robbie Renwick

  • Triple Olympian snowboarder Lesley McKenna

  • Pro freestyle BMX rider Keelan Phillips

Live Reporting

Keir Murray, Andrew Southwick and Jamie Lyall

  1. Feeling inspired?

    Well, that was a terrific insight into the minds of our three talented guests. Thanks very much to all the young people at the event in Dundee for posing such intelligent questions. So, are you feeling inspired? If so, why not have a browser through the activity guides and see which sport or leisure activity you can give a go? We'll be posting some videos from the Active Academy event this afternoon. In the meantime, thanks very much indeed for your company. Goodbye.

  2. Question: What sort of influence did Jenny Jones have on you?

    She fought her way through the whole competitive pathway and injuries and ended up winning an Olympic medal. The thing about Jenny is that she loves snowboarding.

    Lesley McKenna

  3. Get InspiredStuart Cameron

  4. Question: Have you seen other athletes fall by the wayside?

    Some of my favourite riders have stopped because they weren’t getting as much out of it as they hoped, or they weren’t enjoying it. It’s such a shame, but I guess it’s not for everyone. Some people get burnt out. If you’re naturally talented you can get real big, real quick. You don’t last in the sport. But it all stems to enjoying it. BMX-ing, as a kid, I loved it, that’s why I do it right now.

    Keelan Phillips

    We do see a massive drop-off around 14,15, and people have the perception you’ve got to be really successful at something to keep doing it. But if it’s fun, and you're passionate about it, there are definitely ways to stay involved. You don’t have to make the national team or compete in World Cups – you can just do it for yourself.

    Lesley McKenna

  5. More on sacrifices....

    I spent every hour I had working to earn money to go on the snow. Years down the line, they don’t seem like big sacrifices to have made – I don’t think I missed that much.

    Lesley McKenna

    I really don’t like the word sacrifice – I’ve been given so many opportunities that I would never, ever have done if I wasn’t for swimming. I travelled around the world, competed against the best swimmers in the world. How many 27-year-olds can say they’ve done that? Who cares if I don’t go to a friend’s party? Your friends will always be your friends. It’s a case of keeping a balance in your life, not sacrificing anything at all.

    Robbie Renwick

  6. Question: Ever thought about quitting your sport?

    There were times when I wondered if I would be able to keep going, whether through injury or finance, but it always worked out. As long as you believe, it is always possible.

    Lesley McKenna

  7. Question: What is your diet like before you compete?

    It's not too bad. You have to eat very clean. The day before competition I would be 'carb loading' - more rice and pasta. I need to know my energy stores are there for the competition.

    Robbie Renwick

  8. Express yourself!

    Lesley McKennaLesley McKenna

    Lesley McKenna loves the scope that sports such as snowboarding give you to express yourself.

  9. What sacrifices have you made to become successful?

    Annoyingly, it can cut into your social life. All my friends work a normal Monday-Friday 9-5, I’m away all weekend competing. If you pick a certain sport, there will be times when your friends want to do something with you and you have to train.

    Keelan Phillips

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  12. If you can get through those days when you can't be bothered you will be tougher. That's the approach I take. I'm thinking 'if I don't go training I know there will be a swimmer somewhere around the world who IS out there training'. That's what gets me going.

    Robbie Renwick

  13. Because I'm spending my time behind the scenes organising I can't wait to get a bit of time to do the things I want. It's the way I express myself. The expression you get in free sports gives you that motivation.

    Lesley McKenna

  14. Jackie Bird asks: What's your secret motivation when you feel down?

    If I get those days when I'm lazy, I still have to do something. I just cut it down a little bit. It's built in to me that I can't sit around and be lazy.

    Keelan Phillips

  15. Question: When did you realise swimming wasn't just a hobby?

    Qualifying for the Commonwealth Games at 16 – that was the pinnacle for sport for me – I was ecstatic. It was a huge honour, I was able to represent Team Scotland, and we came away with a silver medal in that 4x200m, and that was a huge realisation I could compete with the big boys.

    Robbie Renwick

  16. On Twitter?

    Remember to use the hashtag #bbcactive if you are tweeting.

  17. What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

    If something takes years, what's the problem? Take your time. I was upset at not being able to do something and a coach told me, 'If you can't do this in seven years' time, then you can cry. For now, go out and do it.'

    Lesley McKenna

  18. What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

    Accept that you can't control everything. That way you can accept it when things don't go to plan and adapt.

    Robbie Renwick

  19. Question: If you were a vegetable, which would it be?

    Beetroot.

    Lesley McKenna

    I don't have a smart answer at all. Um...a carrot.

    Robbie Renwick

    I don't have a clue...er, a spicy pepper.

    Keelan Phillips

  20. Question: How did you balance your schoolwork and your training?

    From the age of 16 I qualified for my first Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006 – that was a realisation I could compete with the best swimmers in the world. I always kept school ticking over, but always remember you can catch-up with education later in life. I know plenty of athletes that are 27, 28 and are going to head back to university. Don’t be in a rush to get things done. If you’re very good at what you do, sport is only there for a very short time in your life. I would recommend you take advantage of that. Don’t feel pressured into going into university straight away – take your time through life.

    Robbie Renwick