Interview with Recruit 10 - Kieran
Category: Press Pack ArticleNAME: Kieran
Recruit: 10
Age: 25
Profession: Dental Engineer / Electrician
From: South London / Now living in Cornwall
Background
Kieran always strived to do the best he could in school, working hard to put himself in the top classes and making himself a role model for other students. All this was in spite of a speech impediment, which he felt held him back his whole life. He has strategies to control it and managed to became Young Mayor of Lewisham at age 16, speaking at national and international conferences about empowering youth. He still struggles with his speech impediment though and applied for the course to prove to himself he can finally overcome his speech impediment and more importantly that there is more to him than his voice.
Tell me about your experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins?
It was one of the best experiences of my life so far. Words won’t and can’t do it any justice. It has been life changing in many ways, knowing I have the strength of character and self-resilience to cope with whatever is thrown at me, has made me very proud of myself and my achievement. The whole process is so realistic and it felt like we were being put through SAS selection. It forced me to push myself to my limit; both physically and mentally. I had to dig deep to find the strength I needed to carry on.
It was in many ways a defining moment for me, the Kieran before and the Kieran after SAS: Who Dares Wins. I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the process . How it pushed me to my absolute limits and how I was able to do that. It was a journey that mainly occurred within my head. I had to have a lot of conversations with myself, and I found that I was able to sort out issues and problems just through thought. I realised very quickly that I had to be my own biggest fan, my own motivator and my own source of encouragement. This was ultimately going to be the only way I could complete the course. Any self-doubt that crept into my thoughts had to be wrestled with and turned into something positive.
Did you find it difficult? Was it more difficult than you expected?
Yes it was much more difficult than I expected. Every day was a mission. At first, I was thinking “what the hell have I signed myself up for”, questioning whether I want to be doing this. It was extremely difficult. I constantly doubted my own physical ability. I was also overwhelmed by the physical appearance of the other recruits compared to myself. I knew that it would require my mental strength to succeed.
You experienced a chemical warfare attack as part of the series. This is the first time SAS: Who Dares Wins recruits have taken part in this type of task. How did you find that?
It was brutal and very unexpected. The DS led us to believe that the masks were going to be our saviour. But ultimately they turned out to be useless. Having to run with it on, then to be told to take it off in the midst of all the gas was really jarring. I definitely wouldn’t want to go through that again!
My eyes felt like they were going to implode and my throat felt like it was on fire! Looking back now, I was really quite naïve. I didn’t think you could do stuff that was this extreme on TV. I’m glad I got to experience it though.
Have you ever done anything like this before?
No, never.
What made you sign up?
My partner and I binge watched the show. Each task that the recruits did looked really challenging but she kept telling me that she thought I would be able to do well. The more I watched, the more it made me want to apply! I never thought I would actually get chosen though. I wanted to challenge myself.
What training did you do in preparation for this course?
Not enough. I didn’t really consider that I might get accepted onto the course so I spent the majority of my time sipping G&Ts and baking in the sun with the family. Although, I was renovating an old allotment, which served as the majority of my pre-course preparation.
Now that you have had this experience, would you like to join the real Special Forces?
I did consider it, but it’s a job for that involves being away from your family a lot and I just need my family too much.
What was the best part of the series for you?
One of the best parts of the series was getting to know the other recruits. We all come from such different backgrounds and we were thrown into a whirlwind experience together. It was great to be able to go through it together and to get to know each person on a different but meaningful level.
But, THE best part of the series was probably when it finished! I can’t lie!
What is your biggest fear and has this experience helped you get over that fear?
My biggest fear is probably letting people see me stutter on TV. Before, it would have been too embarrassing. But I realise it’s literally out of my control. Reflecting on it now I had no reason to be worried. Having a speech impediment should never hold you back from opportunities. Hopefully other people in my situation can see that now. It is what it is.
You had to share all your space with women for the whole time you were there, including sleeping and toilets. How did you find that?
It didn’t faze me one bit.
Would you ever do it again?
Yes, in a heartbeat.
What do you think you’ve learnt about yourself?
I’ve learnt that I'm a lot stronger, both physically and mentally than I have ever given myself credit for. I now feel like I can literally do anything. I can achieve whatever I want in my life.
Has being on the series changed your life in anyway?
Yes, it made me realise that I am capable of a lot more. I can always push myself further and harder. I have a much deeper sense of self-worth and respect for myself, which has given me more confidence and shall be pivotal in my life.