Bell on fast track with Dame Kelly (From Western Telegraph)

Bell on fast track with Dame Kelly

3:00pm Wednesday 9th June 2010 in

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Brilliant athletic prospect Lauren Bell has received a masterclass with double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes at Loughborough College.

Bell, aged 15, was among 54 rising athletics stars invited to attend a day of mentoring, education and specialised training with Dame Kelly.

The highly-rated runner from Fishguard was selected following her gold-medal winning displays at the Welsh Schools Championships and British AAA Championships.

And the Ysgol Bro Gwaun student admitted the once in a lifetime opportunity had increased her determination to defend her junior titles this season.

“I was so excited about meeting Dame Kelly,” said Bell, who was joined by her coach Pete Freeman as well as parents Deborah and Ian in Loughborough.

“I have never met anyone famous before – even before I knew I was coming to meet her she was my idol.

“This year I want to run a 2:10 minutes or under at 800m and defend my title in the AAA. I am more looking at those sorts of things than long term goals.

“And this year has started a lot better than last year, just in terms of times. There has been some serious improvement which is really pleasing to see.”

And Dame Kelly, who was joined by ‘On Camp with Kelly’ star Jess Coulson, believes the Pembrokeshire Harriers teenager will reap the rewards of the experience as her blossoming athletics career continues.

“Lauren definitely has a bright future in athletics and hopefully this mentoring day will help her,” said Dame Kelly, who won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

“The London Olympics is only two years away now and that should really inspire all young athletes in Great Britain.

“2012 will probably come a bit too soon for most of the athletes on this mentoring day, but there is 2016 and beyond to think about.

“I had to wait until I was 34 until I won in Athens so these athletes have a long career ahead of them. I want to make sure they have the best start.”

The Aviva Home Countries Schools Championships form part of the Aviva UKA Academy, giving every child in the UK the chance to get involved in athletics by 2012.

For more information see: aviva.co.uk/athletics