I come from a sporting family, I initially played football at an early age, and ran to keep fit and to compliment my football fitness. However, after watching Kelly Holmes win her two gold medals in Athens, I was inspired to become a long distance athlete. Kelly Holmes is a member of Tonbridge AC and I felt it was the natural club to join. I joined the club in Febuary 2006 and now I train 6 times a week.
Six years, My first competitive race was in Febuary 06
Mark Hookway at Tonbridge Athletics Club
I achieved 3rd place at the UK Track and Field Athletes Final. I am also in one of four athletes to represent Tonbridge Athletics Club during a very successful period, winning Kent titles Southern titles and National titles this season in Road Relays and Cross-Country Championships. I recently competed in the UK Inter counties cross country championships where I was the 5th sixteen year old.
My goal is to be able to represent my Country and wear the England vest. I also aspire to attend Loughborough University.
I am proud of winning recent titles for Tonbridge Athletics Club, especially the National Cross-Country title this year but the highlight of my year was when I came 3rd in the UK Young Athletes 1500m final
I train 6 times a week which my mum takes me all the way to tonbridge and back which costs alot in petrol, sponsorship money will pay towards this.
Having sponsorship would be a big boost as my sport is expensive and involves a great deal of travel obviously incurring additional expense. It would also be an encouraging boost, having someone getting behind me as well as my coaches and family. The money would help me enormously as I want to improve and achieve greater results and sometimes you need that extra help.
What I would say to a business that wants to sponsor me is that their money wouldn’t go to waste and their support and backing would be an enormous encouragement. I would also try to promote their company in return.
My hero has to be Kenenisa Bekele. He holds 2 World Records and holds four Olympic medals
The advice I would give is to find the desire and talent within you, and take every opportunity that is offered to you. Once you have done this work hard and remember glory doesn’t come from never falling but rising every time you fall. With all this you will achieve success. (Natural Talent + Opportunity) Hard Work = Success.
What I enjoy the most is the whole commitment you make and all the hard work and effort you have to apply in order to achieve your best. Once the race is finished and you realise what you’ve achieved it is extremely satisfying.
I do not currently receive sponsorship but did recieve a bursary from Paul Peacock at Kent Playing Fields Association but i am still looking for sponsorship.
It will be a real honour to have a sponsor to help me progress and to have a separate company or organisation supporting me following my sporting dreams.
Results
UK Inter Counties cross country championships (Birmingham)
March 2010
19th in age group (5th 16 year old)
English National Cross country championships (Leeds)
