ATHLETE OF THE MONTH | AUGUST'22
RYAN OWENS
Track Cyclist
@ryan_owens1995
This month’s athlete in the spotlight is Ryan Owens. He’s a British track cyclist who has won medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
He’s on the cusp of a new phase in his life and he’s embracing it with gusto.
Learn more about Mike below.
What do you do when you’re not competing?
I do enjoy my weightlifting, although that’s a part of my training. I love to travel, either with my partner or for my work. Business is my other passion, and I’m really excited to start my MBA this month at London Business School. I also enjoy football - strictly as a fan. On a more serious note, men’s wellbeing is an issue that’s close to my heart. I’m fortunate enough to lead a voluntary men’s wellbeing group that helps men to be the best version of themselves.
Why do you shop at TAILORED ATHLETE?
I really struggle to find businesswear that fits my physique. I'm 5 foot 8, and I have the build of a sprint cyclist. As you can imagine, formal trousers are often too small for my legs. Formal clothes tend to be quite unforgiving, it’s really noticeable when it doesn’t fit well. That’s difficult in an environment where image is so important. TAILORED ATHLETE recognises this challenge and speaks my language. They cater more for my build, and others like me.
What’s your favourite product?
The 365 Trousers are an absolute lifesaver for me. As a cyclist, my biggest problem is finding comfortable and well designed clothing for my lower body. Now, I can dress the way I want to, without compromise.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced recently?
Preparing for my future! I'm 26 now, and after I achieved my dream of winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games last year, I knew I wanted a new challenge. There's an old phrase 'An athlete dies twice, the first time at the end of their sporting career'. Rather than dread the change, I was determined to find an exciting path to move into when I retire following the next Olympics. I'm pleased to say that I can see a new path unfolding now, and I'm looking forward to taking the first steps, by studying an MBA at London Business School starting in August.
What are you reading or listening to at the moment?
Ever since our training facilities in Manchester shut, I’ve been driving to Derby a lot! That gives me plenty of time to fly through audiobooks. I'm currently really enjoying 'Range' by David Epstein. It's all about the different paths people take to the top. What I’m enjoying abou it is that it really vouches for late specialisation and the power of being a generalist. Based on my career so far, and my plans for the future, I can really relate to that message. His other book, 'The Sports Gene' is also fantastic. It’s full of insights into why certain nations excel at certain events!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Understand clearly what you want to achieve and commit to it 100%. I'm a meticulous planner, and I feel it's a habit that has always served me well. It’s important to set time frames for different steps along the way to an end goal. Doing that has really helped me turn some small ideas into important, long-term projects that have had a big impact on my career so far.
What advice would you give to future or existing TAILORED ATHLETE customers?
Sample, sample, sample. Test the waters of different careers, sports and hobbies. It may take a while, but when you find the one that combines your strengths with enjoyment you'll be on to a winner!
