I was thrilled and shocked to be named GCU’s first sportswoman of the year. Such recognition was a wonderful boost.
I have been part of the Talented Athlete programme at GCU since my first year and the University has been a great support as athletics is a costly sport and receives little funding. The University has given me a bursary each year and free use of its fantastic gym facilities, as well as the latest award that came with my trophy when I was awarded the title, which has helped me fund my many trips to compete.
I chose GCU after realising the programme I had joined after leaving school wasn’t for me. So, after taking some time out to train, I applied for marketing- and sports-related programmes at a variety of universities and was accepted for all of them. I chose to study International Retail Marketing at GCU as I realised the programme interested me so much that it would give me a break from sports! It challenges me and focuses me on something else. It helps give me a balance that’s not always about competing or practising sport.
I have always been interested in sport but I first took part in athletics properly at high school. I am currently the Scottish indoor 200m champion 2016, Scottish indoor university 200m champion and record holder, Scottish indoor 4x200m relay champion and native record holder, West of Scotland outdoor 100m, 200m and 400m champion and took bronze in this year’s British University and College indoor 200m. I’m also a member of the Scottish 4x100m relay squad and am making a bid to reach the standard for Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
There are always sacrifices to be made when competing, so training six times a week, studying and having a part-time job means I have to miss out on a lot, but I plan ahead and athletics has taught me discipline so I can balance my studies without missing training.
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