5 June 2009

When it comes to seeking advice Ross Murray and Shaunna Thompson – two of the athletes selected on the 2009 UKA Heroes project – are lucky enough to have British Olympic heroes past and present to call on.

Newton Heath sprinter Thompson came within a whisker of beating 400m Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu at the Great City Games in Manchester in a 100m race and the pair quickly formed a bond.

And the 17-year-old admits the experience has only fuelled her desire to break into the senior ranks.

“The first time I met Christine it was and she was really nice,” she said. “She called me over to have dinner with her and wanted to get to know me – she didn’t have to do that.

“A few of my friends thought I might have been a bit scared alongside them and in front of a big crowd but I loved it and I want more of that.

“I was so close to Christine – my coaches didn’t think I would handle all the press stuff as well but I just blanked it all out and went for it – that’s what you’ve got to focus on at the big events. I want to be in the big time and I want to get there as soon as I can.”