Kelly Holmes is dedicating 10 days to train and mentor some of Britain’s best young talent within the 800m and 1500m disciplines.
The double gold medalist is leading these up-and-coming athletes though an intensive training and educational camp based at Loughborough University. The camp started on Tuesday and runs until Thursday 10th April.
A talented young mix of 30 girls and 11 boys from around the UK are attending the Educational Camp as part of Holmes’ exclusive mentoring scheme, ‘On Camp with Kelly’, supported by Norwich Union, where they are being put through their paces by the double Olympic champion herself and other key influential figures within the sport.
The intensive camp aims to prepare up-and-coming British athletes to become future champions in the lead up to London 2012. As well as rigorous training, the camp also includes army command tasks, competition scenarios, seminars and workshops on topics such as injury prevention, hydration, nutrition, medical issues and anti-doping.
Dame Kelly Holmes said: “Now is the time for us to stand up and recognise home grown talent and give young athletes all the support they need to become Olympic champions. ‘On Camp with Kelly’ is about giving the athletes all the tools they need to achieve at the highest level in athletics. I see my role as helping to make sure that they are mentally and physically prepared for their races, but also that they are prepared for the practical elements of life as a world class athlete, and all the challenges that may come with that. This is a great chance for them to experience what is needed in order to compete at the top level.”
The ‘On Camp with Kelly’ experience provides 800m and 1500m female runners with the unique opportunity to learn and benefit from the Double Olympic Champion’s knowledge and experience in athletics. Over half of the attendees are new recruits to the scheme, and will be having their first taste of the scheme after recently making it through a rigorous selection process.
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Coming soon - look out for Sportsister’s interview with Kelly Holmes