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 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 Ö÷²¥ÓÕ»óCS Indoors if it goes ahead, and the outdoor season beyond, hoping for more pbs.
