Isles athlete chosen for Dame Kelly Holmes education day

Lerwick athlete Emma Leask has been selected by Dame Kelly Holmes to take part in the fourth “Future Stars with Kelly” education day in October at Loughborough College.

Emma, 18, was chosen after winning the senior girls’ 800m in a time of 2:16.31 at the Aviva Scottish Schools Championships in June. Locally she has achieved fame for winning gold over the same distance at the last two island games in Rhodes and Isle of Wight. Her coach Martin Leyland will accompany her at the event.

Dame Kelly said: “I always look forward to these education days as it is a chance for me to share my knowledge and experiences with young athletes such as Emma, who are going through the same transition as I once did in my athletics career. I also believe it is vital that parents and coaches are educated alongside the athletes so that they can really get the best out of the athletes they support.

“The success of my Aviva-sponsored ‘On Camp with Kelly’ initiative has highlighted the importance of providing teenage athletes with educational training to support them physically, socially and psychologically.”

The day will include anti-doping, medical and injury-prevention workshops as well as physical training sessions led by Dame Kelly herself. Inspirational role models will assist the younger athletes and their support teams throughout the day, offering advice and support regarding their transition from junior to senior athletics.