Spen sport star’s hopes for glory in Glasgow games

Sarah Holt, 27, who grew up in Brier Hill Close, secured one of the top three qualifying distances at 66.50m to compete at the Glasgow-held tournament

A former pupil at St Luke’s, West End Middle and Whitcliffe Mount schools, she competed with the Spenborough and District Athletics Club from the age of 12.

She also credits former West End Middle PE teacher Keith Jones as an early inspiration.

“It was him that got me started. He always believed I could go to the next step,” she said.

Career highlights include representing the area in the England Schools Championships from 15-18, the 2006 World Juniors in Beijing , winning a bronze in the under-23s European Athletics Championships and then competing at senior level.

“It’s obviously really exciting to be going to any championships,” she said.

Sarah was at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, but a back injury dashed her hopes of qualifying to the final stages.

And in March this year, she suffered a severe calf tear and could not put her foot to the ground for two weeks - and was out of training for eight.But she has vowed to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’m feeling good. This calf turn has not been ideal, but I’m stable mentally. The experience of going has been vital - and being a bit older and more mature.

“I have had to make a few sacrifices,” she added.

Sarah was scouted by Mike Morley, a Kirklees sports development worker who became her coach, at Spenborough and District Athletics Club.

Club secretary Marjorie Bains said:“We are all wishing her well and hoping that she has success.”