When you think of the average training regime of an Aussie Olympic champion, visions of sweaty gym sessions and superhuman muscle definition probably spring to mind. While that might be true, for pole vault champion Nina Kennedy, there’s a crucial step of her daily prep that she swears by: sunscreen.
Makes sense when you think about it. Most athletes are spending hours training outside, and they’re going to sweat. Therefore, using sunscreen, like Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer sunscreen line, can help offer Nina the protection she needs without it holding her back during training.
“I genuinely put on face sunscreen every single morning, regardless of whether I’m indoors or not,” Nina tells POPSUGAR Australia.
She recommends Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face lotion. It offers broad spectrum protection, shielding the skin from both UVA rays, that contribute to ageing skin, and UVB rays, that contribute to sunburn.
On top of that, it has dry touch technology meaning there’s no icky, greasy feel and making it perfect for daily use. It’s Australian made, and is built to feel invisible. — exactly what an Aussie sporting hero like Nina needs.
“Obviously, I’m training outside all the time,” Nina continues, “so, before I leave the house, it’s lathering up on moisturiser and sunscreen and then heading to the track.”
But it’s not just before she leaves the house — Nina specifies that she’s conscious of sunscreen while she’s training as well.
“If I’m out there for hours, I’m having lots of water breaks and that’s when I’ll reapply,” she says.
“I’ll do it at least every two hours, but even more so if it’s really hot and I’m sweating heaps.”
Nina also stresses that, even when she’s not training, she gets sheer enjoyment by being out and about and spending time in the sun. Case and point: POPSUGAR Australia actually joined her on a nature walk, which she says is one of her favourite things to do on her day off.
“It gets me out of the city, out of the hustle and bustle and it is perfect for my mental health,” she says.
And staying on top of her mental health while looking to maintain optimum physical health is crucial for Nina’s success. Without mastering that balancing act, she wouldn’t have been able to score the gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
But what’s it like to actually defy the odds and get the gold? Nina puts it simply.
“The best feeling ever!”
We can’t all be Olympic gold medallists, but we can all take care of our skin like one. Take Nina’s advice, and get your hands on Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer sunscreen range. Available in fluid, lotions, and spray, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer sunscreen range is ready to keep everyone covered.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided, it is important to wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Reapply frequently.
