Back Tracking & Onto the Present…

Blog Post:

Starting where my last post closed, Muller Anniversary Games back in July. At this point in the season I was coming to terms with knowing that I wasn't at my best but, appreciating the opportunity to compete for Great Britain in what was my third Anniversary Games! It's always INCREDIBLE, such a PRIVILEGE I love that London Stadium so much, my mission given the circumstances at this time, to be realistic. Realistic being: To be happy and enjoy it because if I am honest these emotions hadn't been experienced much in the months leading up to that 100m sprint, or in fact any of the season. My mission completed. I crossed that finish line super excited, firstly pleased with my performance (very near to my 2018 SB & bettering any place performed at international level) proud of myself for continuing and secondly to witness my fellow athlete and friend Kare Adenegan achieve her first WR. Incredible Kare! Huge congratulations absolutely deserved well done.

In the races that follow I began to relax, and whilst I was of course devastated I didn't perform to my personal bests, for the first time since beginning the sport. My circumstances have been very unexpected, compromised and restricting. The balance just wasn't there… personally, and within my work, the combination of pressures coursed exhaustion and anxiety. Resulting in substantial impact on my ability to train affectively, in reflection I am encouraged that despite these "Tough Times" I made it through with many improvements from the start of the season to the finish, preserving with all that I was faced with.

Soon after the race season finished, time for the break that was much needed, a new chapter, moving out of home for the first time and a wonderful long weekend trip to Barcelona before beginning winter training. Next the BEST NEWS EVER! (In some time anyway) the BIG SUPER NEWS FLASH "This I honestly believe to be my life changer" the perfect opportunity, at exactly the right time. I am beyond excited to say I will be working for the Matt Hampson Foundation as of the New Year. Hambo and the Team have been supporting me since 2015, when I became a beneficiary, for The Foundation. Over this time I have been an active support and doing my up most to promote the ethos "Get Busy Living!"

This the balance that is needed in order for me to commit myself effectively to everything I hope and desire for my life, the opportunity to fulfil all my life purposes and my Athletics Adventure. My life has been and continues to be long lesson of perseverance these "Tough Times" have just reminded me that all things happen for a reason. The storm has defiantly past and I have never been so thankful to see that rainbow.

Now winter training is well underway and I love the track again. Such a relief! Aside from that ultimate ambition of mine for my Athletics Adventure to be an established athlete, a contender I have been striving to be in a position of hope and belief to be my very best. The position is present everything is falling into place, I am smiling again and genuinely content for the first time in my life, happy to be me. I feel on top of the world! Appreciating life and feeling amazingly blessed to be surrounded by many brilliant people wanting the very best for me! Thank you to you all for your continued support, guidance and love…

Top photo credit to: Jodi Hanagan: https://www.jodihanaganphotography.com/