In the 2020-21 athletics season, finally, I have been able to compete regularly again. After a disappointing year due to covid, and only one competition in the 2019-20 season, I was very happy to be back at competitions. The competitions have been a little different to the norm, with no crowds, and everyone sat in stations to comply with the social distancing guidelines. For me, I think I have preferred this, as being a disabled (T/F37) athlete, often competing in able competitions, it is nice for there not to be the crowd asking why I am different.
Thanks to my scholarship funds, I have been able to buy equipment needed to continue training through the winter lockdowns, and to contribute towards training, competition and travel costs. I am very聽 happy to have got a new pb in both long jump and shot putt this season, being first in the UK for long jump, leaning closer towards the international/Paralympic standard, now only 36cm away. I have also finished the season with a new seasons best in the 100m, and am hoping that I can improve this to a new pb early next season. The scholarship has also allowed me access to a long term plan and week plan, allowing me to not only keep on top of my training goals, but also my university work, getting a first this year. I am now able to start winter training, with lots of gym sessions and strength and conditioning work to keep me in good shape ready for next season, hopefully competition in BUCS Indoors if it goes ahead, and the outdoor season beyond, hoping for more pbs.
