Olympics Countdown: Q&A with Corinna Lawrence

What event are you taking part in?
Women's Épée.

How did you get into sports?
I was always encouraged by my parents to do lots of sport, but started fencing when I was seven at my primary school because my two older sisters had started a couple of years before, and I was fed up with watching them at training and competitions and wanted a go myself.

What was your first ever job - and were you any good at it?
I am a private tutor for children aged five to 20. I started four years ago when I moved to London for fencing and to go to university. As I am still doing it now I would hope that I am considered to be good at it! I am also pursuing a career in secondary school teaching.

If an MP3 player really could only hold three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life?
The Sky's the Limit and Outta This World by Jason Derulo, and All or Nothing by Jay Sean.

Who was your top teenage pin-up?
Jonny Wilkinson.

My teammates won't know this about me but...
I am a green belt in taekwondo, but had to stop as I couldn't meet the demands of training with fencing too.

Favourite book of all time?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Hit your opponent more often than they hit you.

What would be your chosen superpower?
To have an extendable arm.

How would a typical school report about you read?
Corinna always engages in active discussions during lessons and completes her work to high standards despite being absent regularly due to fencing.

My top tip for becoming an Olympian is?
Not sure I can answer this one yet...

What's the most annoying thing your teammates do?
Leave sweaty fencing kit out.

My last supper would comprise...
A summer fruits squash drink, and my mum's homemade lasagne.

Who has been the most influential person in your life to date?
My mum.

When I'm not competing I like to...
Hang out with my friends for coffee and cake.

Last film you saw?
Whole film? Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I have a tendancy to fall asleep during films.

If I wasn't an athlete I would probably be...
Studying medicine instead of finance at university.

Marmite: food of the gods or work of the devil?
I dislike the smell so much that I've always refused to taste it - so definitely of the devil.

Career high point to date?
Reaching the last 16 at the 2011 World Championships.

Who insures your car and home?
I don't have a car, but I'm covered on my mum's house insurance via Swiftcover - I'm not sure who the insurer is though!

Can you win the gold in London?
Of course!