We caught up with Toni Prince, who is a one of 4 Olympic hopefuls to be chosen by Scottish Widow, who are helping them fulfill their dreams, and go for gold in the 2012 Olympics. At Scottish Widows they understand the sacrifice young athletes have to make to realise their potential to become the best. 

Toni tells us about staying in shape, juggling college life and training for the biggest competition of her life. 

FF: Toni, Can you tell us how you got into Judo?
My dad put me and my older brother into a small judo club called Archer Judo at a young age as we lived in flats and were always moaning that we had no where to play.
 
FF: What made you want to take it further than most?
When the Archer Judo club closed down, we joined a bigger and better club called JSC Judo which had Olympians, European medallists and lots of great players as members. From the first time I saw them, I was amazed. From that moment I decided I wanted to be like them.
 
FF: How did your family help you pursue your dream?
My family were 100% behind me. My dad would run both me and my brother up and down the country every weekend, spending so much money and using up so much of his time as he knew how much Judo meant to us.
 
FF: What would it be like to compete in the 2012 Olympics?
To compete in the London 2012 games would be a dream come true. Over the years I have worked so hard and made judo such a massive part of my life. It would be the ultimate reward.

FF: How do you balance uni life and training?
From being at college for three years, I’ve learnt to balance my studies and judo really well. Now that I’m in my second year, I’ve started to notice the strain a little more as the works getting harder and I’ve have to up the training level in run up to the Olympics.
 
FF: Are men scared of you because of your judo moves?
Haha, I don’t think men are scared of me because I do judo, but guys obviously make jokes about it.

FF: Do you feel pressures as a young woman to keep toned and in shape?
As I’m in a weight competitive sport, I know my body is always changing. When I’m out of the competitive season, I may look a little different. However, when I am in training, I know my body is in shape.
 
FF: Do you do other training other than Judo?
I love going to the gym and doing long distance running - so much so that my mum and I recently ran a half marathon.
 
FF: Can you tell us what your training regime is like?
I am always in the gym doing weight training, core training, and a lot of running to stay fit and keep my weight down.
 
FF: Are you strict about what you eat?
When I’m trying to make weight for competitions I’m really strict as I have to be, but outside of competition I have a really sweet tooth!
 
FF: How are you preparing yourself for the Olympics?
I’m taking each day as it comes by training as hard as I can whilst still concentrating on my studies.
 
FF: Who is your idol?
Even though I don’t do athletics, my idol is Kelly Holmes. She’s an amazing role model for women - I think she’s great!
 
FF: Do you listen to music while you train?
I only listen to music whilst running as otherwise long distances can get a bit boring.
 
FF: Have you ever seriously injured yourself or someone else during judo?
The only serious injury I’ve had was a few years ago when I injured my shoulder which kept me out of competitions for a few years. Fortunately, I don’t have problems with it now - it’s more little injuries like toes and fingers that nock you back in judo as you need to grip with them.
 
FF: How does it feel to have Scottish Widows support at this time?
I feel honoured and very lucky to have Scottish Widows support at this time. I get a great buzz out of seeing how well the other hopefuls are getting on in their sport, and feel so lucky to have Sarah Storey and Roger Black as my mentors. I couldn’t ask for more. Not many athletes my age have this great support like I do.