Stemming the dropout rate in athletics

Back in 2012 when I ran in the 800m at the World Juniors, I thought the athletics world was my oyster. I had clocked 2:02.32 in the semi to make the final, where I came sixth. My personal best coming into that year was 2:07 and I now realise this is something to be proud of, even if I didn’t feel that way at the time.

I had read autobiographies, articles and interviews with senior athletes who all said that the road to success was not straightforward, that it was full of ups and downs. And, although I had already faced some of my own challenges, I was so naive that I never considered I might not achieve my goals.

I was balancing my training with a full-time degree so surely there was loads to be gained by resting more, training harder, eating better and adding a few more years of training? I set myself the goals of making the European Under-23 Championships teams in 2013 and 2015, and the home Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. I had hopes, too, of making it to this year’s Olympics. I am honoured and proud that I made it to my home Games in 2014, it was an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life.

The thing is, it is true that progress towards success is full of peaks and troughs. You will experience trials, tribulations and turmoil. I strongly urge you not to think you are immune to the challenges of other athletes.

Many unpredictable challenges could come your way – illness or injury because of your training, illness or injury totally independent of your sport, or tough times in other areas of your life – academic, family, friends, relationships. One or some of these things will happen. I was born an optimist, and I hate to be doom and gloom, but if I can get through to one of you, or to one parent, I might manage to help you adopt a healthy mindset.

I don’t feel I’ve made the junior to senior transition yet, and I appreciate that I certainly haven’t achieved the success that you may be dreaming of. But I’ve learned a lot, so here’s my advice:

1. If you’re happy, keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t beat yourself up about your results – it’s a sport and above all else it should be enjoyable.

2. If you are offered governing body support, take it but make the most of it – sport is fickle and it’s unlikely …

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