Interview with Recruit 18 - Tyler
Category: Press Pack ArticleTyler
Recruit: 18
Age: 28
Profession: Online Fitness Coach
Hometown/Region: Carlisle, Cumbria
Background
Tyler grew up on a farm. At 14 her parents split up and her life spiralled out of control. She found herself drinking and taking drugs and through the party scene, she met her boyfriend, who she remained with for 11 years. At 20, after the birth of her first son, Tyler suffered severe postpartum psychosis and was hospitalized as a result. Tyler used drugs to escape the empty feeling.
When Tyler was 21, she found herself agreeing to collect some drugs in return for payment of £200. At the time, she needed the money and didn’t realise the scale of the operation she was getting involved with. She was stopped by police with the drugs in the boot, and when questioned, became aware that this was a much more serious situation then she had anticipated. Eventually both she and her boyfriend were convicted for conspiracy to sell class A and class B drugs worth over £1 million. Tyler was sentenced to 12 months in prison for her part.
While in prison Tyler realised this was not the life she wanted and chose to turn things around for her children. She now lives an honest life, with a successful job and through competing in bodybuilding competitions, she has kept her mental health in a positive place.
Tell me about your experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins?
This experience has to be one of the most life-changing I have been through. It pushed me beyond both my mental and physical limits and really helped me understand so much about myself. It has to be my ultimate journey of self-discovery, from both a mental and physical perspective. It has taught me transferable skills that I can use in everyday life, and also how to be in complete control of my thoughts, fears and emotions.
Did you find it difficult? Was it more difficult than you expected?
For sure! I can still feel and remember the very first day, when the train was hijacked and we were pulled out of the train at dawn. I was shaking in the press-up position, mud up to my elbows, while being called a ‘maggot’. It was at this point reality hit me, that this was real! I felt serious doubt that I was going to be physically or mentally fit enough for the course because there is no test that can measure if you are ready to take on the selection.
You experienced a chemical warfare attack as part of the series. This is the first time this has happened on SAS: Who Dares Wins. How did you find that?
I will never forget the feeling of beginning to run with the military grade gas mask on. All I wanted to do was pull it off my face. If I had to try and explain the feeling, it was like I was trying to breath, but I couldn’t get a full breath of air. I was so close to pulling the mask off but this would have been me off the course, so I had no choice but to face my demons and stay in full control.
I thought the masked run was the brief, but I was so wrong. When I stopped running and looked at the bottom of the hill to see a cabin with chemical warfare suits, I knew things were about to get a whole lot worse!
As I entered the cabin, a light smoke surrounded a hostage. I thought it wouldn’t be too bad, as I had my mask on but then I was told to remove it after 3 seconds and complete fear took over my mind and body. Removing that mask was so difficult. I knew I was going to enter serious pain, but I also knew I then had a task to complete and I didn’t want to let my partner recruit down.
Have you ever done anything like this before?
Absolutely not. This was so far beyond what I had expected to experience. I’ve never had an experience with CS Gas before. This was entering a complete unknown. I tried to prepare myself but I don’t think there is anything that could prepare you for that!
What made you sign up?
I have watched every season of the show. When I discovered that females were being accepted, I knew this was something I had to do.
I wanted to find out who and what Tyler is truly about. For years I felt I had lost touch with who I was, almost like I was lost in life and had no idea what my purpose in life was. I hit an all-time low and found a way of escaping my pain through the use of alcohol and drugs. When I got myself into trouble with the police and received a prison sentence, I knew this wasn’t the life for me. I had to change NOW. No second chances, this was my time to take back control.
What training did you do in preparation for this course?
I was in an improvement season for a bodybuilding competition during lockdown. I was home raining and had very little weights. My training consisted of 4-5 days weight training and ten minutes of HIIT after my weights. My focus was on bodybuilding.
Now that you have this experience, would you like to join the real Special Forces?
If my children were older, I would already be signed up. I have to say I have been completely blown away by the lifestyle and the effect facing fear on a daily basis had on me. It has inspired me massively, and I find myself regularly wanting a little bit of that back. The hostility, entering the unknown and the constant adrenaline is something I found myself feeling quite comfortable with.
What is your biggest fear and has this experience helped you get over that fear?
My biggest fear has been losing control of myself and my mind in moments of stress and being out of my comfort zone. The experience has definitely helped me realise that I am stronger than I thought, and when life feels tough, it really isn’t so bad.
Do you think you found it harder than the male recruits?
No. Throughout the course I never differentiated myself from the males. This was one of the reasons I admired the selection so much. We all got treated the same. I didn’t want to be treated any different for being a female, I wanted the true experience.
You had to share all your space with men for the whole time you were there, including sleeping and toilets. How did you find that?
I knew I was going to share the sleeping space with males, but I didn’t quite prepare myself for having to openly go to the toilet next to them. Ha-ha. But I just got amongst it. I had no choice but to get on with it. We’re all humans at the end of the day, and if you gotta go…..
Would you ever do it again?
100% YES! I can remember Ant telling us on the parade square that when we return home we will wish we were back. I can remember thinking, absolutely no way. However, on the second day of being back home, I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to go back.
What do you think you’ve learnt about yourself?
I have learned so so so much about myself I am not quite sure where to start. I know that I am now fully in control of my body and emotions. I know who I am and have a sense of peaceful clarity about myself. I also know how important it is to push yourself to achieve the things you want in life. Good things don’t come easy, nor should they be expected. You have to be prepared for uncomfortable situations, because these are the moments that you truly grow and discover who you are. The comfort zone is a place I no longer want to live my life in. I enjoy pushing myself beyond my limits, being comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Has being on the series changed your life in anyway?
It has yes. This has been a complete life changing experience for me. It’s a personal journey that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The things I have learnt, not just about myself, but also what the special forces do to protect our country, inspire me daily. I have been given the opportunity to learn both mental and physical tools that I can use for the rest of my life. I feel I have grown as a person and for that, I will be forever thankful.