Holland grew up competing in swimming and running. Within her first week at Loughborough University, she was contacted by British Triathlon. She attended a training camp in France in early 2005 and decided to focus on triathlons. She holds a degree in Human Biology from Loughborough University.

Training and Achievements

Holland trains at the University of Bath at British Triathlon's National Performance Centre. She is part of the Bahrain Endurance 13 Team. Her most memorable achievement is winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout her career, Holland has faced several injuries. In June 2021, she missed the World Series event in Leeds due to a calf injury. A calf tear also kept her out for most of the 2017 season. In 2014, she suffered from plantar fasciitis but returned to win gold in Cape Town in April 2015.

Philosophy and Recognition

Holland believes that consistency is key to success. She was named the Gloucestershire Sports Awards Professional Sports Personality of the Year for 2015. She also became the first female British triathlete to win an Olympic medal with her bronze in Rio.

Other Interests and Future Plans

During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Holland took time to recover and consider life after competitive triathlon. She engaged in cooking, baking, and learning French. While she has not announced retirement plans, she is looking to transition out of elite sport eventually.

Holland's journey from a reluctant beginner to an Olympic medallist showcases her dedication and resilience. As she continues to train and compete, her story remains an inspiration for many aspiring athletes.