“I fell in love with sports after joining my first swim club at the age of 10. I now compete nationally for Team GB’s Age Group, Triathlon Team, where I recently won gold at the European Championships in Russia! My tutors have been great at supporting me and fitting in my studies around my training.”
Classroom
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity
Career
Inspiring Athlete with Team GB
Joined us from
De La Salle High School
Sports student strikes gold with Team GB
Dedicated sports student, Emma, is living out her dream after qualifying for Team GB’s Age-Group Triathlon Team, competing across the globe, and then proudly winning Gold at the European Championships!
The 18-year-old from St Helens, is determined to kick-start her sporting career, after dedicating herself to rigorous training 11 times a week, and in turn has already achieved some great international successes.
Emma fell in love with sports from a very young age; joining her first swim club at the age of 10 and was recognised throughout secondary school for her sporting ability. She made the leap into triathlon after being inspired by her dad, who is a keen cyclist. The pair began their triathlon journey together, joining local sports club St Helens Tri, where they fell in love with the sport and now compete across the UK and the globe.
Emma explains, “My dad is a big part of my journey. He supports me at every race, whether he’s there to compete himself, or there to cheer me on!”
It was in 2017 when Emma purchased her first professional bike, and competed in her first triathlon before going on to smash her qualification race for Team GB’s, Under 20’s, Age-Group Team in 2018.
Wanting to turn her passion into a career, Emma chose A levels as her initial route of study. However, after completing her first year of study, she realised that a theory-based pathway wasn’t for her, and looked to St Helens College for a more practical route.
Emma enrolled on to the level 3 Sport and Physical Activity course with St Helens College, with the aim of continuing her drive to become a full-time athlete, in what she explains as her “make or break” year. So far she has enjoyed gaining vital knowledge to aid her training, whilst developing her skills and experience in sports development and coaching.
Emma commented, “The sports course at St Helens College sounded like the perfect option for me. So far, I have loved the practical elements and being able to learn in the college’s gym facilities is a real bonus. I particularly enjoy learning about sports coaching, as these skills are really useful when I help the St Helens Tri Team to coach the junior squad.”
Emma’s dedication has seen her return victorious, after winning Gold at the European Championships in Russia and travelling to Switzerland to compete in the World Championship. Emma was also selected for the role of Female Captain of the St Helens Tri Club, which was awarded to her for her dedication to the sport, coming up against 200 other members at the club.
Looking to the future, Emma is excited to see where her ambition will take her, and is considering progressing on to a higher apprenticeship after her course at St Helens College.
Are you looking to kick-start your career in the sporting industry? Follow in Emma’s footsteps and join one of our popular Sports, Exercise, Health and Fitness courses! Click here for more information.
