Interview with Billy Craig

No one inspires people to stay true to themselves and find their way back to good health quite like Billy Craig does. Having a love of riding himself, he’s also inspired his kids, Daisy and Harry, to find their own passion for riding, in their own way.

We love any kind of inspirational advice here so we’re very happy that Billy agreed to answer our questions 😍

Q: Did you hope they’d share your love of riding when you got them their first bikes? (About Daisy & Harry)

B: If I’m honest, yes, I probably did hope they’d love it, just because it’s been such a big and positive part of my own life and I dreamed of riding alongside them like I did with my dad. But I’ve always been really clear that it’s their choice. The first bikes were more about giving them a tool to play, explore, and build confidence, not to create little competitors although their play often mimicked my competitions! It’s been amazing to watch both Daisy and Harry find their own passion for riding in their own way, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Q: What’s your advice for people to best nurture a child’s skills without putting pressure on them?

B: The biggest thing is to remember that it’s their journey, not yours. Support them, be present, and encourage the process, not the outcome. Focus on effort, not results. I try to model that with my kids, celebrating the trying, the persistence, and even the failures. Pressure usually comes from misplaced adult expectations. Let kids enjoy the process and they’ll surprise you with how far they go when it’s driven by internal motivation, not external pressure. We also go out of our way to make it play based, and it’s not uncommon to see training sessions end with GB’s top youth talent playing tag or hide and seek. It’s important not to specialise too early.

Q: How do you deal with the busy schedule, competitions, practice, your own work, and travel?

B: Honestly? It’s a bit of a juggling act, and there are definitely weeks where it feels like a lot. But because so much of it is meaningful, whether it’s supporting the kids or doing my own work in health, it doesn’t feel draining in the same way as being busy for the sake of it. We’ve learned to build in proper rest, to say no to things sometimes, and to protect time for recovery and reflection. And we try to keep a sense of humour when things don’t go to plan! Their riding also feels like it’s built on a foundation of all my research so it feels like it sits well and gives me a place to see my work in action keeping them safe and youthful.

Photo credit: JCW Trials

Q: As a parent and health practitioner, how do you keep yourself and the kids in top physical health for the demands of the sport?

B: Nutrition, sleep, and recovery are huge for us. I’m not into overcomplicating things, we focus on real food, eating enough, and listening to our bodies. I monitor their energy levels, look out for early signs of fatigue or overtraining, and make sure they’re not just physically fuelled but emotionally supported too. Movement is part of our life, but so is rest. I also think being flexible is key, what works one week might need adjusting the next as they grow and change. We do what’s needed when it’s needed with no set plan.

Q: Why do you love Honestly products, and how do you use them?

B: I love Honestly products because the ingredients are clean, purposeful, and backed by solid thinking. As someone who researches health and physiology, I really value products that don’t try to be gimmicky or overcomplicated. I use them myself, and they’re one of the few products I regularly recommend to friends, clients, and other parents. They’re safe, effective, and just make sense.

Big thanks to Billy for providing such insightful answers and being such an inspiration, not only with his riding but also in the health world 🤩