‘Give it your all and follow your heart to success’
Sport
Athlete, hurdler
Favourite quote
‘Give it your all and follow your heart to success’
Biography
After joining the Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club I became
interested in 100m hurdles. I won five times at the The English
Schools Championships over this distance and also run 60m hurdles
indoors.
It was however during my time at the University of Bath and
Loughborough University, where I gained a duel degree in Geography
and Sport & Leisure Management, that I developed into a
world-class athlete.
At Bath I was coached by Colin Jackson's former coach Malcolm
Arnold and I am currently coached by the well known Graham Knight
and also occasionally train at Leamington Athletics Club.
I currently run for the Sale Harriers athletics club and was
ranked 4th in the UK for 2006 and 23rd best ever in the 100m
hurdles. For the 2005/2006 indoor season I was ranked 3rd in the UK
in 60m hurdles, and on the 27th January 2007 I became one of the
British Top 10 fastest women over that distance ever. On 10th
February 2007 I improved on this at the UK Championships and won
the 60m hurdles in a time of 8.03s. Not only did this make me the
number 1 in Britain in 2007 but also the 4th fastest of all time.
This meant I qualified for the 2007 European Indoor Championships
in Athletics in Birmingham. On March 3rd of that year I reached the
final and finished a creditable 5th with a time of 8.04s. I got the
2008 season off to a good start by finishing 2nd in the UK Indoor
Championship and followed this up with 2nd in the AAA Championships
outdoors.
Who was your biggest influence?
Derek Rose, my mentor, coach and friend. I learnt a lot with him
and was very sad to part company. I still remember things he taught
me, and will until the day I hang up my spikes. He taught me right
from wrong, and made me believe in my abilities.
Becky Guthrie – a dear friend who has encouraged me throughout
my career and I would not have done the things I have done if it
wasn’t for all of her support and encouragement.
What are your proudest moments?
Receiving a ‘silver’ award from my club in recognition of my
performances to date in 1997. Was an extremely emotional experience
for me, which I will never forget. And, being awarded the best
female athlete award in 1997, and going to Planet Hollywood in
London to receive my award.
Winning my first GB international race.
What is your top tip for young people wanting to participate in
sport?
Enjoy it and follow your heart to success.
What is your favourite food?
Chicken Korma with Basmati rice.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Grab every opportunity with both hands and never let go.
Achievements
- Commonwealth Youth Games - Champion and record Holder 2000-2004
at 100m Hurdles.
- World Junior Championships 2000.
- European Junior Championships 2001.
- Senior AAA's Championship finals.