On Friday I attended the Manchester event with my parents. I had heard about the event from a friend who had been on the programme before and I couldn’t wait to find out who the famous Olympian would be.

We had been to the Velodrome, which is on the same site, with my team in November so we found it really easily. I was a bit nervous as we left the car but as we walked in I saw Breia from Pentathlon and from then on my nerves ended. We registered and were given our white Asda Athlete T-shirts and we had our individual photographs taken. We had time to mix with the other athletes before the presentations. It was clear to see that the athletes were of varying ages and that they came from a wide range of sports.

The Asda team were introduced and we were promised a fun day! We were told about the Sports Aid programme and the link with Asda.

Then we had a sports psychologist, Louise Ellis, talk with us. We needed to complete some exercises about things that affect performance. We then needed to think about our best ever performance and how we felt at the time. This made me think about the importance of positive self talk. Remember performance is 10% physical and 90% mental- PMA!

Then Darren Campbell came and spoke to us. Wow! He was so thankful to his Mum and he also chatted about his network of supporters. He was really down to earth as he talked about the temptations of junk food and messing about. We will all need to make sacrifices and train hard but the sacrifices will seem like nothing when we experience the winning. He said that we will write our book and its not where we start but where we end that is important. Darren said we should always dream big and we should aim for the top. If we dream and work hard we will believe and when we believe anything is possible on any given day! He talked about his hamstring injury prior to winning the Olympic gold in the relay and about adversity. He was so inspiring and motivating- I just wanted to get back out and train! When it’s cold and wet outside and I am training I will remember what he said, ‘Be the best you can be – how far can you take the journey?’ Remember dream- believe- enjoy! We were able to have photos with Darren and also to see the Gold and Silver Olympic medals.
In the afternoon we had Sports media training on facebook, twitter and we learned about the information which we need to put into our athlete biogs and blogs.

Mum and Dad met Alistair and Jonny Brownlee’s Dad in their workshop.

Just before we left we were given our packs with the grant from Asda.

Thank you to all for a great day!

Here is a photo of me at a recent Yorkshire Tetrathlon training session. I am just learning to fence and this is an area which I want to develop further this year through the Sports Aid funding

Hi there again. Here is a photo of me when I was running at my best last year just prior to a groin injury. I was competing in an event at York.

I hope to get back to that level of fitness soon. I am concentrating my training on strength and conditioning at the moment following illness and another injury. My coach, Karl Jackson of TORO CSC, has given me a plan for when I am at the gym at David Lloyd. I also have additional exercises to complete at every session from my sports physio.

I went to the gym twice at the weekend and every night but Tuesday (Parents evening-agghh!!)this week. I am following the programme which takes about an hour and then i will go and swim 30 minutes in the pool before a sauna/spa!!Then home for tea,coursework and TV!

I have found out that my Asda Link person is a lady called Katrina Phillipson. I have tried to call her but she has been out in the community during the day so i have written to her to explain my plans etc. Hope to meet Katrina soon to plan my visits to Asda Bilton.

Today I met my Community Life Champion Katrina Philipson. I met Trina at the store at 9 O’clock. We had a good chat and got to know each other- that was easy as we both like to gossip and she is so bubbly and friendly. It seems we have a lot in common! Trina was interested in knowing about my sports and about my training. I explained about competitions I had done over the last year and what I wanted to be in the future. Trina told me about her job and the opportunities she has to raise money for good causes such as Tickle Pink and also for a local girl to receive medical treatment. Trina provides support in local primary schools- she promotes a healthy lifestyle to children. On Tuesday she is even going on a school trip to a zoo.

Mum and I explained about how I intended to spend the award (training, physio and extra lessons for fencing and riding) and also the need for me to raise extra money for kit. I really want to get on the World Class talent programme next year and I dream of representing the country. Trina seemed really keen to help me raise my profile in the store and in the community and also to have some fundraising events. I think we will make a great team and I look forward to the year ahead!

A really varied week for me. Have completed in sports events at school and have assisted with umpiring etc for lower year groups in school. We celebrated Sports Relief in style on Friday.

Have been back swimming with my new club after a few weeks off following an injury. Tuesday was an endurance session and Friday was more stroke focus. I concentrated on pull for most of the time.

Have been at the gym 3 times and have reviewed my programme with Kathryn Roberts (TORO CSC) today. Greater focus on upper body and revised rehab work for legs.

Have shot twice this week at home and am pleased with the sessions.

Have been following results for the National Schools Biathlon today at Crystal Palace. Really disappointed not to go as I had qualified 12th for Year 10 girls. See the photo of me racing in the swim event there last year. Well done to all athletes!