Olly Murs, 41, is preparing to push his physical limits for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid challenge, and he’s been training relentlessly with early morning starts, late-night finishes, and intense three-hour workouts each day. With a goal to raise money for refugee families, Olly is ready to take on his most challenging feat yet as part of the event’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
The singer, known for his incredible physical transformation over the past year, will embark on a grueling 400km journey across the UK. Beginning at Old Trafford in Manchester, Olly will run, cycle, and row his way to London Stadium in Stratford, all in support of Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
Last year, he surprised fans with his striking physical transformation after overhauling his diet and fitness regime and now he’s preparing to test himself to his limits (right, in 2020)
A Balancing Act: Fatherhood and Training
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Olly opened up about the challenge of balancing fatherhood with his intense training. With a seven-month-old son, Albert, and a two-year-old daughter, Madison, Olly is making sure to prioritize family while working tirelessly to prepare for the endurance test.
Olly shared: “I’ve been doing a lot of training, but I love keeping fit anyway. It’s just become part of my routine. I enjoy going out for runs, cycling, and keeping myself active. It’s all about endurance now, so I’ve adjusted my workouts accordingly.”
Despite his busy schedule, Olly makes sure to help his wife, Amelia, with the kids before heading out for his training sessions. “I’m a morning person, so I arrange everything around the kids. I help Amelia get them up, get them downstairs, and ready for the day before I get my training in,” Olly explained.
Olly’s Day-to-Day Routine: A Herculean Effort
Olly’s day is jam-packed, with little time for rest. He explained, “Today’s a heavy day for me. I’ve been up since 6 a.m., working all morning. After the film crew finishes at 6 p.m., I put the kids to bed and then cycle for an hour, followed by a 5K run on the treadmill.” The intense schedule leaves him “struggling to walk some days,” but Olly admits, “it’s really put me in a good place mentally and physically.”
Despite the overwhelming workload, Olly enjoys the process and feels his energy has increased since he began this routine. “I’m having a good time with my kids, and the training has made me feel more energized,” he said.
Taking a Break from Touring
Earlier this year, Olly announced that he would take a break from touring for a year to prioritize his family. As he devotes himself to being a present father and husband, Olly is stepping back from his usual hectic work schedule. He revealed, “I want to be there for my kids. I want to watch them walk for the first time, see them talk for the first time, and be there for all those special moments.”
Olly’s decision to step back from touring reflects his desire to maintain a healthy balance between work and family life. “Even though I’m doing this challenge, which takes a lot of time, I am at home more than I have been, and my kids are loving that,” he added.
A New Perspective on Parenthood and Charity
Olly’s journey into fatherhood has given him a fresh perspective on the world, particularly in relation to his charity work. In his preparations for Soccer Aid, Olly has been inspired by the stories of Ukrainian families who fled the war. He shared, “As a parent, it really hit home for me that every day we want to keep our kids safe, but we’re not in a war zone. These families are going through unimaginable challenges.”
Olly’s dedication to raising money for refugee families comes from a deep desire to give back. “The money we raise is going to help those amazing families and children across the world to play safe,” he said.
Soccer Aid and What’s Next
Olly will also return to play in this year’s Soccer Aid match, a charity football event that has become a fixture in the sporting calendar. Having first participated in 2010, Olly is eager to return for the 20th-anniversary event, which will air live on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player on Sunday, May 31.
While Olly’s challenge may be physically demanding, it’s clear that his commitment to family, fitness, and charity is what truly motivates him. As he prepares for his 400km journey, Olly Murs is ready to make a difference in the lives of children and families across the world.
