27th December 2013

BLEASDALE'S BACK!

28 December 2013

Holly Bleasdale (coach: Scott Simpson) has revealed her 2013 injury problems have made her a better athlete.

The European Indoor pole vault champion had to cut short her outdoor season early due to back and Achilles injuries. Earlier this month, the British record holder made a winning return to the track in Lyon.

Indeed, Bleasdale was understandably delighted.  

“I was really chuffed because I was really nervous before the meet as it was my first competition in so long and the first meet of my season,” she said.

“I had a big injury so I didn’t know how it was going to go or if the injury would come back. When I got out there I absolutely loved it. I loved being back competing and being all competitive. To jump 4.61m was really good so early in the season.”

It was at the European Team Championships in June when her woes came to the fore and the first major injury setback of Bleasdale’s fledgling pole vault career.

“It has been really hard,” admitted the 22-year-old. “I’ve never really had a massive injury other than when I first started pole vaulting. It was hard missing the World Championships and not competing to the best of my ability in Gateshead. It really got me down after having such a great indoors. I was really looking forward to outdoors but then to have a back injury and Achilles was hard.”

“My training group got me through it and my coach was really positive and we did all the stuff to help me in areas of my body that might have been weaker. I feel like such a better athlete for it and I’m really happy settled in Cardiff. I feel like I’m in a much better place now.

“I’m hungrier for training. I feel like the break did me good psychologically. I’ve come back training with Scott (Simpson) and we’ve managed to change so many things. I’m vaulting technically so much better than ever. I feel fitter, faster and stronger.”