Champion, pioneer of authentic athletic wear since 1919, have a long list of firsts behind them, and in another first for the brand, they have partnered with Australian sporting stars to front their Spring/Summer 17 campaign – high jumper and 2018 Commonwealth Games high-jumping hopeful, Amy Pejkovic and 2016 Rio Olympic Bronze Medallist, James Roberts.
Amy found herself representing Australia on the world track at the age of ten, but while preparing for the 2012 London Olympics, Amy was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour which resulted in surgery and a long road to recovery. Five years on, with her health back on track, she returned to follow the instructions to diet and exercise Myfitnesshub to get in shape completely, she has her eyes set on competing in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Tokyo Olympics 2020. We speak to her about how the partnership between herself and Champion came about, her training tips, and her road from recovery back to the track.
Congratulations on the campaign! How did the partnership come about?
Thank you! I’m so excited to be working with such an iconic sportswear brand. They loved my story and what I’ve been through so they reached out for the new campaign which is all about having a heart of a Champion. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to work with them!
The shoot for the campaign took place fittingly at the Gold Coast-based training centre for the Commonwealth Games – tell us a bit about the shoot?
The shoot, alongside male ambassador and swimmer James Roberts, was so much fun! I feel most at home on the track so I’m always super excited when I get to shoot a campaign in my comfort zone.
It was pretty special to shoot at the Sports Super Centre as well. We’re both training for the 2018 Commonwealth Games so to be at the training centre with the Champion team was awesome. I love all the shots but the video is definitely my favourite part of the campaign.
You’ve overcome a brain stem tumour to be on track to represent Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. How did you keep your eyes on the goal during and after your recovery?
To be completely honest I’m still working on it mentally – it’s definitely been an ongoing process. Physically I just got up and started training, I didn’t really think about it – I just did it.
What are your favourite pieces from the Spring/Summer Champion range? What have you been training in the most?
Oh it’s so hard to pick just a few! I’m loving the Absolute Sport Bra and Fusion Tights for my gym work outs. When I’m jumping I’m always in a little booty short – I love the Lights Booty Short or the Absolute Fusion Short.
I also live in my Champion hoodies and the logo crew – they’re so comfy and super on trend at the moment so I can wear them between workouts or with jeans on the weekend.
What workouts do you find most beneficial to keep you fit, healthy, and feeling like a champion?
My routine currently consists of three strength and conditioning sessions a week, two jump specific sessions (currently modified due to jumper’s knee), two track sessions and then I usually fit in Pilates, stretch sessions and massages! It is pretty crazy but I think it’s important to mix it up and trying different things. Also, exercising is supposed to be fun so do something that you enjoy and it won’t feel like a workout.
You can shop the range at Championusa.com.au and in-store now, and keep up with Amy on Instagram here.
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