The 28th August marks the start of eleven days of fierce competition at the Paralympics Games. Taking place in Paris this year, 4,400 athletes from around the world will battle it out for gold in both individual and team events. One such competitor is Katie O'Brien, a full-time athlete from Galway, Ireland. Formerly a Veterinary Surgeon, this month Katie will be competing at her first Paralympic Games in rowing, in a mixed double scull. A self-confessed foodie, we caught up with Katie to discuss her daily menu leading up to the games, her favourite cheat meals, and of course, that celebratory post-race cocktail of choice.
To start... Tea or Coffee?
"Oh Both. I start my morning with coffee, as it's non negotiable in order to function. However it's always a cup of tea in the evening with a choccy biscuit."
What does breakfast look like for you?
"Every morning it’s oats for me. I eat them hot in the winter in a porridge, and cold in summer as overnight oats. The topping can vary depending on my mood but currently, I’m in a yoghurt and blueberry phase!"
Sweet or Savoury?
"Both again.... Did I mention I love food? I have to finish a meal with something sweet, always. But on the other side I also can CRAVE crisps- I mean who can resist a share bag of chilli heatwave Doritos?"
Favourite weekend brunch?
"Poached eggs. Avocado. Treacle brown bread. Yum."
Favourite method of cooking?
"I absolutely love cooking so I really like to change it up every day. I love making a roast, especially with a meat like pork belly like in this recipe from Marcus Wareing!"
Go-to pre-workout meal?
"We train 2 or 3 times a day, so I always have a big feed 2 or 3 hours prior, whether that’s my oats if it’s a morning session, or a big lunch if it’s an afternoon session. I might snack on a banana closer to the time. I then also eat/fuel during my session too. We can burn over 1000 calories in just one session so eating enough to replace that is really important!"
Go-to post workout meal?
"Protein shake and a flapjack straight away, then drive home for a proper lunch/dinner."
Favourite comfort meal?
"It’s a childhood special- Burnt sausages and buttery pasta (it's my mums recipe)."
Favourite cheat meal?
"Butter chicken, peshwari naan, and pilau rice. Every time."
Favourite cuisine?
"Mexican for sure. There's a place called Banditos from my hometown in Galway, it does the best Mexican in the world."
Meal that is non-negotiable?
"I think this has to be breakfast, unless I have a big hearty breakfast with a good cup of coffee, the day just isn’t happening!"
Celebratory treat?
"To say I am BUZZING for a post-Paralympic whiskey sour would be an understatement. It could also definitely come in a dessert form like this sticky toffee pudding."
Where can our readers find you?
"My instagram is @katie_o_brien_."
