BUPA Great Yorkshire Run – an insider’s review (written for Running Fitness 09/07).

Thousands of runners from all over the UK and of all abilities took part in the inaugural BUPA Great Yorkshire Run, as the event made its debut in the heart of Sheffield’s vibrant city centre on Sunday, 9th September, writes Nicola Bamford.

The undulating 10km city centre route proved a fabulous addition to the Great Run calendar of events and was an overwhelming success.

John Kibowen and Benita Johnson confirmed their status as pre-race favourites by claiming the titles at the elite end of the field, as the world-class stars took their respective races by the scruff of the neck from the outset.

Two-times World cross-country champion, Kibowen of Kenya outclassed the opposition with a lead of 150 metres, clocking an impressive 28:40 over the 6.25 mile route. The runner-up spot went to Australian marathon runner, Andrew Letherby with 29:04, followed by a 29:19 performance from former Ethiopian refugee Tomas Abyu of Salford. Two-time Olympic marathon fourth-placer, Jon Brown, who, despite being based in Canada, belongs to City of Sheffield AC, claimed an encouraging fifth-place position on his return from injury. The run marked a significant improvement for Brown in his fight to regain full fitness; as he ran a useful 29:28 in only his second serious race since a breathing problem caused his withdrawal from the Flora London Marathon in April.

Brown, 36, is hoping to recover full fitness before next year's Olympic Games, after which he may retire. "I think my performance today indicates my breathing problems are finally over and at least much better," said Brown, who was forced to miss the recent World Championship marathon because of the illness. "Today although I'm still not fully 100 per cent, went a lot better and I was much more competitive." Brown is hoping to achieve the Beijing qualifying standard by the end of the year, and is targeting the Fukuoka marathon in early December to tackle the mark. His next outing will be at the BUPA Great North Run in September, in a step up to the half marathon distance.

Australia’s Johnson scored a runaway win to lift the women's title by over a minute, with an impressive time of 32min 55sec on a course with some testing inclines. Johnson, preparing for next month's Chicago marathon, finished comfortably ahead of Brits, Birhane Dagne and Vicky Gill who recorded marks of 34:02 and 34:06, respectively.

"That's a good comeback after the World Championships where I fell in the 10th lap," said Johnson who was involved in a pile up during the 10,000m event in Osaka, subsequently finishing a disappointing 17th."It's good for my confidence to come back and run such a good time after what happened. The win is pointing me in the right direction and shows I'm well prepared, before I go to the USA. I felt so strong, particularly in the last 5km, although I was running on my own,” claimed Johnson on a race in which your writer finished 11th on her 10km debut.

Following the organised BUPA crowd warm-up, the mass race lived up to expectations; with a 4,500-strong field descending upon the city on a mild, sunny Sunday morning. The atmosphere was buoyed by substantial crowds and energy-lifting music along the course, which included a television screen situated at the half-way mark and a thoughtful run-through shower to cool the competitors ahead of the uphill finish into the picturesque Peace Gardens, in the welcoming city centre ambience. The BUPA Great Yorkshire Run Business Challenge and Tesco Junior and mini Great Yorkshire Runs attracted hundreds of businesses and children alike, as the competitors on the day received a Great Run t-shirt, finishers medal and goody bag.

The Steel city strider (written for Athletics Weekly 09/07).

World 1500m semi-finalist, Abby Westley describes her emotions to NICOLA BAMFORD following an unprecedented summer that has made her hungry for more.

The year 2007 will be highlighted as a breakthrough season in the diary of metric-mile wiz, Abby Westley, for the Loughborough Students AC runner has this summer propelled herself from top under-23 to joining the world’s elite in the senior ranks; irrespective of her tender 20 years of age.

The Sheffield-born middle-distance star’s meteoric rise, although unexpected so soon, is no surprise to keen followers of the sport, as the George Gandy-coached ace had made steady progression over the years before establishing herself as a key protagonist for senior Great British selection. Her achievements of late are a million miles away from her days as a 12 year-old novice at Hallamshire Harriers, yet, keen to praise those who contributed to her successful teenage years and rise to World-level, Westley credits her former coaches; “I’d like to thank Keith Whitelam and Ian Wainwright for the work, friendship and support they provided for me while I was at Hallamshire Harriers – I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.”
Initially a swimmer for the Dronfield Dolphins, the secret recipe behind Westley’s eye-catching achievements has appeared to coincide with her collaboration with the Director of Athletics at Loughborough; George Gandy. Frequently referred to as the ‘guru of endurance running’, Gandy’s work, which incidentally has landed him a place in the SportsCoach UK Hall of Fame, with the psychology undergraduate has bore fruition this summer, with further success indisputably heading their way.

The 2006 European junior cross-country 10th-placer began her 2007 track campaign with an emphatic 2:04.14 800m victory at the British Universities Championships, improving her best by over a second and thus showing glimmers of her forthcoming prowess over the her specialist, longer discipline. The 2005 World junior cross-country and European under20 800m-representative then dramatically stamped her authority on the UK middle-distance scene by scorching to a sensational 4:08.74 1500m triumph at the Loughborough International; obliterating her personal best by nine seconds in the process and catapulting herself to second on the outdoor British season’s list.

Consolidating her sudden superlative form and refusing to rest on her laurels, the World-Class Development funded –athlete subsequently impressed on her Great Britain senior debut by claiming 1500m victory in the European Cup First League. Rising spectacularly to the occasion at the televised event, Westley unleashed her trademark scintillating finishing-kick to triumph in a tactical 4:21.12 at the Finnish venue. "I really enjoyed competing in my first senior international. It was a huge honour to be selected and I was pleased to win maximum points for the team," recalls Westley.

A comfortable win at the Luzern European Permit meet in Switzerland soon afterwards, guaranteed Westley went into the European under23 Championships brimming with the confidence and expertise required of an international gold-medal contender.

Indeed, the birthday wish came true for likeable Yorkshire lass, who lives with fellow athletes, Chris Warburton and Tom Settle, as she celebrated her 20th birthday in style, by claiming the European under23 1500m title in Debrecen, Hungary. Despite entering the championships as only third-quickest on the age-group 2007 rankings, Westley used her international racing experience and trademark finishing kick to devastating effect, to triumph in 4:15.48. In a tactical affair, Westley waited patiently on the shoulder of the long-time leader before unleashing a scintillating final 100m to seal the best birthday present she could have wished for; the gold medal. “I’d waited all week for my final - it was quite slow with a bit of pushing, so I thought there’d be more people with me at the end. I was so pleased to win; it felt like it was meant to be, as it was my birthday. The GB team sang ‘happy birthday’ to me when I was on the podium!”

The European title was the icing on the cake for the baking enthusiast until World Championship selection beckoned. “I was delighted, especially as I was ill and didn’t run in the World Trials. I didn’t know if I’d blown my chances and what to expect from the selectors,” Westley explained. “I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t expect it, as I only got the development qualifying standard. I rushed to tell my mum, dad and boyfriend, and George was really pleased, especially as he coaches Lisa (Dobriskey – my training partner), too,” she recalled of her excitement, despite having to turn down the chance to compete in the World University Games in Bangkok.
Continuing her outstanding vein of form, Westley gave herself a superb farewell present ahead of flying out to the GB acclimatisation camp with two commanding displays at Stretford, Manchester in the BMC 800m open and BMC Grand Prix 1500m, respectively; clocking 2:03.24 to rank 12th on the British senior lists and another confidence-boosting 4:08 performance.

Aware that her winning streak was undoubtedly nearing an end, the baby of the GB squad in Osaka, Japan drew reminiscence of a young Steve Cram, making his global debut at such young age. World-ranked 51st heading into the cauldron of top senior competition, Westley passed her baptism of fire with flying colours; to establish herself amongst the World’s elite and cope admirably by making it to the semi-final stage. “I wasn’t nervous - I got used to running with a camera in my face back at the European Cup. I was just so excited – I’ve worked so hard so it’s nice to get a reward; it’s a big boost,” asserts the mature runner.

Ranked 11th out of the 13 athletes in her heat, Westley brushed aside the 35-degree heat and eighty-percent humidity to produce a fine 4:09.67 sixth-place finish in her heat to grab the last automatic qualifying spot. Then, starting her semi-final as the seventh fastest of the twenty-eight qualifiers, the young British Lioness bravely fought her way through a extraordinarily tactical race to finish a credible eighth in 4:16.21. "I hadn’t raced with a pace that slow all season," revealed Westley, evidently frustrated. "It took me by surprise because I thought the first lap alone would be ten seconds quicker. It changed the race and unfortunately I wasn't in the right place at the right time and they got a jump on me that I couldn't close. There was quite a bit of bumping and pushing but these are world-class athletes and they are not going to give you an inch. It was all good experience for next time."

Her Osaka experience proved a steep learning curve for the talented teen, yet Westley refuses point-blank to say a permanent sayonara to World-level competition; "I’d love to go to Beijing but I’m not going to take anything for granted. I can't imagine what it will feel like to miss the Olympics or another major championship now. I'd hate to watch it on TV and not be a part of it but I need to keep working hard and improving,” divulges the determined Westley. “It was great in Osaka. When I got to the stadium I almost had tears in my eyes. I was warming-up with people like Sanya Richards and Jeremy Wariner; people I've watched on TV and admired for years. It still feels a bit unreal that I'm actually part of it.”

Westley must now become accustomed to the senior elite environment however, as she looks set to be a part of it for many years to come. "This season has been such a learning curve. I'm really proud of what I've achieved but I'm not going to rest. This is where I want to be and it's given me such a taste for it. I'm loving what I'm doing and I'm showing that I can beat some of the best girls in the world. I'm still young but I don't see why I can't be one of the big names in a few years."

Further ensuring the bubbly battler is firmly situated on the athletics radar and can look back on her remarkable 2007 campaign with pride, is her nomination for the inaugural Waterford Crystal European Athletics Rising Star award; the result of which will be announced in October.

Reflecting on her remarkable summer, Westley, who cites fellow Sheffield-born athlete, Becky Lyne as her inspiration and role model, states; “My season’s been quite surprising, as I was injured between January and March. But everything started to click, and then I got stronger and made a big step up.” Paying tribute to the man instrumental in achieving her extraordinary form and to those who have supported her; “I must say a big thank-you to George; he’s brought me on a lot and came out to Macou and Osaka to support me; and also to my parents and boyfriend, Tom.” Should her athletic achievements stall, however, Westley harbours hopes of specialising in clinical psychology.Evidently level-headed, Westley plans to resume her studies in the autumn on a part-time basis, in order to capitalise on her outstanding progression. Only a second off the Olympic qualifying standard, one could forgive the 1500m starlet for being brash but no; “There’s no reason I should change just because I’ve gotten faster!” the Steel city strider exclaims.

Becky returns to Steel City for international comeback (written for Athletics Weekly 07/07).

European 800m bronze-medallist Becky Lyne is set to make her competitive return to the athletics arena this Sunday at Sheffield’s Don Valley stadium, in the Norwich Union British Grand Prix, writes Nicola Bamford.

The televised international will represent a baptism of fire for the 25-year-old, as the Hallamshire Harrier has had to endure a lengthy injury lay-off since her last race six-months’ ago. The Sheffield meeting will provide a homecoming for the British middle-distance star, and a stepping stone to a potential return to international class.

On the forthcoming event, at which she will contest the 800m, the former Tapton school pupil commented; “I’m sure I’ll be really nervous when it comes to it, as I’ve done very little 800m-pace work. I’m anxious but as it’s at my home track, there’ll be lots of support and a good atmosphere.” On her aims for her season debut, the Stockport-based runner is reluctant to predict an immediate return to world-class performances; “Last season I would have hoped to win, and although I’m a very competitive person, I’ve got no target time in mind and won’t let myself feel pressured.”

It is unsurprising that Lyne is hesitant to forecast a performance akin to her 2006 form. The 2001 European Junior and 2003 European under23 800m champion has had to contend with a difficult and frustrating pre-season’s preparation, which would test the patience and determination of any athlete. After picking up a calf strain whilst training in Australia, Lyne then experienced Achilles troubles, followed by a reoccurrence of the calf injury. A three-month-long spell of rehabilitation proceeded, consisting of swimming and cross-training, which Lyne described as “soul destroying – I didn’t run between mid-February and mid-May; it was so frustrating.”

Fortunately for the Dave Turnbull-coached athlete her agent, sponsor and coach respectively, stayed loyal to her during these testing times. “Dave’s been fantastic; he’s got a family and a job yet he measured trails for me to run on and cycled alongside me in training – he nursed me back well,” Lyne praised. “I’ve been with Nike (her sponsor) since 2003 and luckily they’ve kept faith in me by renewing my contract and Nic (Bideau, her agent)’s been great, too.” Doing presentations and motivational speaking in schools, as well as practising her Spanish helped keep Lyne sane during those challenging months.

The support of her team has undoubtedly ensured Lyne remains in the sport and maintaining her place on the World-Class Performance Lottery Programme has enabled the Loughborough and Indianapolis University graduate to access free medical back-up and train full-time without financial worries; a contribution which was pivotal to her athletic return. “My physio; Alison Rose, was fantastic, absolutely phenomenal,” Lyne recalls

Never one to concede defeat and surrender her fitness, Lyne is eager to retain her status as Britain’s number one over the two-lap distance. Her current personal best from her breakthrough 2006 season of 1:58.20 puts her third on the UK all-time 800m lists, though a plethora of British women are fast making headway on this mark.

The next stop after Don Valley will be Manchester’s Sport City for the World Trials; it is here that Lyne hopes to book herself a ticket to join the Great Britain squad at this summer’s World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Of the July 27-29th event Lyne explains, “I can’t hide away but I haven’t decided if I’ll do the 800m or 1500m yet. My 2006 season should hopefully put me in a good position with the selectors possibly giving me more time to get the qualifying time. The event’s progressed with lots of great girls now so I won’t spit my dummy out if I don’t get to go.”
Regardless of whether Lyne attains the qualifying time of two-minutes and finishes highly at the trials, she intends to compete shortly afterwards at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace and possibly tackle the European circuit to continue her quest in returning to world-class status. As the athletics community eagerly awaits her return since overcoming such adversity, Lyne will most certainly hope to capitalise on her talent and experience and show everyone she’s back with a vengeance.

Catch yourself a sponsorship deal (written for Athletics Weekly 06/07).

The arduous, daunting and even embarrassing task of searching for sponsorship is now a thing of the past thanks to a website set up by sports promotions and consultancy agency, Catch Sport, Writes Nicola Bamford.

Promising athletes of all ages and from all sports can now complete specifically designed forms which highlight their sporting profiles and sponsorship criteria, in order to attract the funding of potential organisations in their area.

Managing Director, Karim Bashir; a former international fencer reveals, “By focussing on athlete funding, my goal is to establish, build and maintain the UK’s largest online database of elite athlete profiles. My aim is remove the financial burden that hampers the UK’s most promising young athletes as well as those who already have an established reputation in their sport.”

The focus of the initiative is to provide an online communication tool to bring sports people and their funders closer together, by enabling athletes to post their online profiles and funding needs for free. In turn, sponsors will be able to complete the sponsorship criteria pages and use Catch Sport services to identify the athletes who fit their requirements.

Sponsors will be able to subscribe to use Catch Sport services for a fixed annual contract fee of £495.00. Each organisation will be able to add their contact details, complete the sponsorship criteria pages and search for athletes on an anonymous basis, who match their requests.
In order to encourage long term and multi-athlete funding, discounts will be offered for longer term contracts and when more than one athlete is sponsored by a single organisation. Catch Sport will match individuals or groups of athletes corresponding to each organisation's needs, with tailored and innovative packages put together for each interested party.

“I know from my own experiences as an international fencer that most sports funding is provided on an ad-hoc basis. Whilst this funding is valuable and useful it is not conducive to producing successful international athletes for years to come,” explains Bashir.

Taking a long term view to athlete funding Catch Sport will target:-
- promising junior athletes for performance related long-term sponsorship contracts;
- established senior athletes for “major championship” related medium-term sponsorship contracts;
- UK selected (or equivalent) junior and senior athletes for “major event” related short-term sponsorship contracts and
- junior and senior athlete funding grants (one-off payments).

Once registered, an athlete’s information will remain confidential and secure, courtesy of the ‘blind search’ facility on the website. So if a sponsor was looking for “athletics” and/or “London” and/or “under 23”, an athlete matching this criterion will be automatically matched to them.

Urging athletes to take this valuable opportunity and to regularly update their profile, Bashir adds, “Sport in the UK needs long term investment so that we are able to compete for medals at major events in the future.”To register your profile or search for an athlete, log onto www.catchsport.com for further information and see if you can catch yourself a sponsorship deal.

Anorexia nightmare for Frost twins (written for Athletics Weekly 09/07).

Former Great Britain steeple-chasing duo, Bryony and Kathryn Frost have revealed the heartbreaking reason behind their sabbatical from the sport at the tender age of 21 – their agonising battle with anorexia; writes Nicola Bamford.

The disappearance of the two promising athletes was sudden and somewhat of a mystery until now. But, at aged 23, the Isle of Wight pair are finally ready to reveal the angst behind the decline in their athletic performances and expose the devastating health effects they faced, in an attempt to prevent other athletes from sliding down the same slippery path. The Frosts hope their revelation will act as a warning.

Tipped as potential 2012 hopefuls and dubbed the ‘Kournikova’s of running’-thanks to their striking blonde looks, the Hampshire girls explained how chasing their Olympic dream lead to a intense battle with the eating disorder; which subsequently saw their diets and track times spiral out of control; “We were determined to be the thinnest and the fastest on the track and soon became obsessed,” explained Bryony. “We went through phases when we’d eat just one thing at a time. We were caught up in our own little world.”

Studying at Loughborough University, away from the watchful eye of their parents, enabled the twins to continue the strict eating habits they had previously devised. The plan initially bore fruit, with Kathryn experiencing significant improvements in her favoured discipline; the steeplechase, and, inspired by her sister’s success, Bryony soon followed suit.

However, despite achieving considerable immediate athletic success, including appearances at the 2003 European Junior Championships, where the former Adidas-sponsored pair reached the semi-final stage in the 2000m steeplechase, their weight soon plummeted to just over 6st for Bryony and an alarming 5st for Kathryn.

Unsurprisingly, their performances then began to suffer as a consequence but the twins remained oblivious to the danger they were putting themselves under. “We were really determined and we shared the same ambition to run in the Olympics. We wanted to do the best and we’d do anything to get there. I thought if I were thinner, I’d run quicker, so I decided to diet,” Kathryn divulged.

The ultimate wake-up call for the 2002 u20 5000m gold and silver-medallists however, was when a bone density test discovered that Kathryn, at just age 21, had developed osteoporosis in her spine and Bryony had a stress fracture in her back. Evidently not eating enough and training too hard during their teenage years, their GP subsequently diagnosed the girls with anorexia; and their worst fears were confirmed-they’d have to give up running or face being paralysed.

“The doctor told us that if we carried on we’d end up in wheelchairs. We were devastated,” recalled Kathryn. “We must thank Bill Foster and a team of people at Loughborough University, who helped us get better.” Having not competed since 2004 in order to improve their bone density and regain their health, the ‘Frosties’ harbour hopes of returning to the sport which gave them so much joy and success; “We’ll never go back to being completely normal, but we have now accepted there’s more to life than running. It’s not worth risking our health for,” revealed Bryony.

Upbeat Ellis undeterred by knee injury (written for Athletics Weekly 07/08).

European 800m bronze-medallist Sam Ellis is refusing to lose his faith and sense of humour, despite having to undergo diagnostic surgery on his left knee this week, writes Nicola Bamford.

The 25 year-old Sheffield City and Barnsley AC member, who has not raced since last September when on team GB duty at the Norwich Union international, was experiencing his best training to date up until Christmas when, shortly after the New Year, he developed a sharp pain in his knee during a routine training run. The Alan Hasty-coached runner has since endured a catalogue of unsuccessful attempts to cure the ailment, but insists on staying in a light-hearted mood. “I’m sure when the knee’s clear, I’ll be back. I was depressed at first especially because of my last summer and was looking forward to this season, but I’ve now lightened up and realised I’m not going to be racing this summer.”

Further emphasising Ellis’ buoyant attitude to adversity, Hasty proudly states, “It’s great how positive he’s been; it’s just so frustrating for him after such a successful breakthrough summer.”
Ellis’ positive frame of mind does not reflect the outlook expected of an athlete who has had to go through many ineffective ultrasounds, MRI-scans, cyst-draining, epidurals and numerous cortisone injections. “I’m probably half-full of cortisone now!” joked Ellis on his extensive list of treatment , “I’ve been through various doctors and physio’s and still no-one really knows the cause of the injury – that’s why I’m having surgery. It’s been a stop-start past 5 months, every time the cortisone numbed the pain and I’d get excited and try to run, then pain would come back again.”

Fortunately, as part of the World Class Performance Programme, Ellis at least doesn’t have to take the financial strain of his treatment, but adds, “It’s annoying to get injured now after trying to get the funding after all these years, but I’m really grateful for the help.” Ellis plans to utilise the medical support from the Sheffield and Loughborough English Institutes of Sport, for regular treatment and advice in his battle to regain his health.

Playing down the seriousness of his injury woes, Ellis continued, “I’m trying to do whatever I can without crippling myself. At its best, I can do 60m sprints, but at its worst, I need help pulling my trousers on! I normally like walking in the Lake District but I can’t walk anymore than a mile and a half right now; I need to hop back.”

The 2004 AAA 800m champion, whose personal best of 1:45.67 last summer catapulted him to number 44(?) in the World Rankings, has however, refused to concede defeat by maintaining his sprinting, gym and weights routines. Despite the injury preventing Ellis from doing any cycling work and also inhibiting his running to a high degree; the Sheffield Hallam University architecture graduate explains, “I’ve kept sane by doing lots of part-time jobs – mostly from a seated position of course! – book illustrations and teaching in the local junior school, but I’ve also done a couple of outward-bound cycle trips with the kids.”

Eagle-eyed athletics fans may have even spotted the likeable Yorkshire lad turning his hand to javelin competitions of late; for such is his desire to keep involved in the sport and be part of his team’s exploits, Ellis has earned valuable points at the last two British Athletics League matches, launching the spear into the respectable mid-50m range. Could we see a change in event for the two-lap international? “No,” Ellis laughed, “I’ve always thrown the javelin for various clubs; I don’t train for it, I just pick it up and throw it!

On his charge’s future, Hasty asserts, “the target’s still the Olympics next year; we’re hoping to start normal winter training in September.”Evidently a team player and survivor, the optimistic Ellis has continued to go to almost every session during his lengthy injury lay-off in order to stick to routine and maintain his enthusiasm for the sport; a decision which is proving pivotal in his mental state during these testing times. Regardless of his recent misfortune, Ellis is unmistakably a tough nut to crack and injury-permitting, will most certainly make his mark once again if his mentality is anything to go by.

Edwards makes tentative return to training (written for Athletics Weekly 09/07).

World junior cross-country and 5,000m track representative, Sian Edwards is cautiously returning to light training, following a four-month-long spell on the sidelines, Writes Nicola Bamford.

The 18 year-old Kettering Town Harrier suffered a stress-fracture of the right foot shortly after the World Cross-Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya last March and has subsequently, had to endure a lengthy rest period. To further exasperate matters, the injury remained undiagnosed until May, leaving Edwards on crutches for six agonising weeks. An extensive rehabilitation programme of aqua jogging and cycling thus commenced, in an attempt to obtain a swift recovery for the 2006 World Junior Cross-Country 10th-placer.

The Neville Marshall-coached runner recalled her recent testing times; “It was really frustrating not being able to run, as this year is my last junior year, so I hope things get better for the cross-country season.”

Fortunately for the World-Class Potential Programme member, frequent physiotherapy sessions with UKA physiotherapists, Mark Buckingham and Alison Rose, in Northampton and Loughborough respectively, have gradually helped Edwards to walk pain-free again; although, as Marshall stressed, “The physio’s wouldn’t let her do any weight training or go on the cross-trainer, to take the pressure off the foot, so she’s lost a lot of speed and strength.” On her steady recovery process, the former English U20 5,000m champion explained, “Training in the pool wasn’t too bad, as I had company from other injured runners. I’ve been following a plan from Alison – I’m not sure how long it’ll take to get back running properly, but I hope to be doing 20minutes jogging every other day next week.” Edwards was understandably full of praise for the help she has received; “Mark and Alison, as well as my doctor, Nick Pierce were really helpful in getting me back to training and Neville’s kept me motivated and involved, as I’ve been keeping in touch with my training group by watching them train.”

The once-tipped future Olympic star has even received an occasional email from World marathon record-holder, Paula Radcliffe, who, like the entire athletics community, is keen to see Edwards make a speedy recovery. Aware of how her rivals are progressing, Radcliffe’s ‘Athlete of the Month’ for March 2005, says without a hint of jealousy, “I’m really pleased the girls are doing well, it’s great to see.”

Marshall too, appears to have faith in his protégé; “I can’t put a timescale on how long it’ll take her to get back but Sian’s a very tough lady – very determined and intelligent. She’s managed to stay fairly cheerful and, although obviously very disappointed, at least she was able to focus on her studies.” The enforced break from training may in fact turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the 2006 European junior cross-country 6th-placer, as she was able to fully focus on her A-Level exams. Edwards is hoping to attend Loughborough University to study psychology and link-up with distance coach John Nuttall and rival, Emily Pidgeon in the autumn.

Refusing to look on the bleak side, Edwards and her team remain adamant that they have encouragement to look to the future. The 2006 British Athletics Writers Junior Female Athlete of the Year is no longer experiencing pain whilst walking and jogging and appears refreshingly upbeat. Focusing on making a competitive return in time for the forthcoming cross-country season and not taking her health for granted, a realistic and cautious Edwards insists “I’ll have to see how things are going; how quickly I can get back to full fitness. I hope to do the Euro cross-country Trials in November and I’m fairly confident of getting back to my best.” Reluctant to predict an instant return to form, the 2006 Daily Telegraph and Norwich Union School Sport Matters Awards Female Pupil of the Year, believes “The Euro Cross is ideally the target, but at the moment, it’s just nice to get back to training.”After overcoming such adversity, the runner who was unbeaten on home soil in the 2006 winter season will surely be content and relieved to first make the start-line this autumn, as she begins her patient journey back to the sport which has brought her so much success.