Christmas on injury woe, a shore and an Olympic medal ten decades late! It was a athletics profession for Nicola Sanders.
One of Britains finest 400m runners, who retired following a succession of injuries, shows just how becoming a Sky Scholar between 2011 and 2013 was a massive boost during a really challenging and painful phase in her life.
Since the Scholarships celebrate since launch, with Sanders one of 11 pilot Scholars, the mum of 2 opens up on discovering peace.
The Scholarship programme came at the right time for me.
After a career high at the 2007 World Championship where I won silver and then a European Indoor gold, I had been struck by trauma at 2008 and 2009 and hadnt quite reached my potential and frustration was setting in.
My trainer Tony Lester approached Sky around encouraging individuals and they not only agreed to encourage us in our journey 2012 but they chose to roll it out across a few sport and also the Sky Scholarship programme was born. I love to believe I was the inspiration!
After I became a Scholar, my sports was in a tough location. I struggled with my back injury and I had to begin constructing up my entire own body out to be stronger again.
Having the backing and impression of Sky at one time like this really fostered me and gave me the confidence and perception to carry on and get there.
Some of the chief things the programme allowed me to do was eliminate for hot weather training more. As my muscles did not need to work so hard in the warmth, I suffered in my career with many injuries but my body.
Our coaching group usually went to South Africa for most of January to escape the British winter in the lead-up to 2012, Tony and I decided that we needed to increase this and go out in December, spend Christmas up there and return as usual during late January.
It was tough to be off for Christmas, but it was also an easy decision knowing itd put me at the very best place for the following season.
It was strange being somewhere so hot for Christmas (up to 40 levels ) and I got slightly sunburnt on Christmas Eve that was a brand new one for me personally! There werent many decorations up and because of the warmth it did not feel like Christmas but it went OK.
Christmas afternoon was weird! I spent the afternoon alone (apart from the cleaner that popped in and left me with a biscuit!) And boxsets for many of it – Greys Anatomy and 24.
I then did a Skype phone home and my entire household were hauled round the supper table and then that I had been passed from person to person. On the trail from the sunshine I was on Boxing Day, although it made me feel miserable. Athletes arrived and we all spent New Year together.
Once you know you are doing something thats great for your sports it does not really feel as a forfeit and I am grateful Sky gave me the chance to place myself in the best shape I could be.
Regrettably 2012 didnt end up being a terrific year. My injury lasted and I had to draw in the European philosopher that was my final opportunity in the warm-up. So it was only the relay event in the Olympics for me personally.
I had been in very good shape in London. I had a terrific training camp and was excited to be part of the squad. I did not get picked for the final group and never got to run in that Olympic stadium that was amazing.
Although it did not work out the way I desired in London, I love Skys service and help on my trip. I understand as a group we gave it our very best shot my body just let me .
I had an incredible career to look back on with some huge highs. I even finally got my own Olympic medal (out of Beijing following two teams were disqualified for doping offenses ) 10 decades late, as a mother of 2, before a home crowd in the London Olympic Stadium!
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