7 March 2008

On Thursday GB sprinter Anyika Onuora led the latest of the SPAR Sprints Master Classes in the North West at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Chorley.  Twenty four, year six pupils were treated to a seminar which featured warm ups, sprint drills and relay games. This was followed by a lively Q & A session where Anyika discussed her career to date as well as showcasing her medals and spikes.

Set up back in 2004 SPAR Sprints Initiative nurtures and develops talented young athletes.  This national initiative aims is to bring recognised UK sprinters to schools local to them to inspire and encourage young athletes to follow in their footsteps.

Onuora believes the scheme certainly achieves that saying: “It’s great to get children involved and if I can inspire them then all the better. I enjoy giving out advice and I know from my experiences that every little bit of encouragement helps. If I’m contributing to it in any way then I’m happy.”

This season Anyika is returning to her best already putting in a great performance at the UK Indoor Championships to claim Silver in the 60m. This performance has undoubtedly put her in frame for the GBR sprints squad for Beijing Olympics.

Onuora said: “Despite running an average time at the UK indoor Championships in Sheffield I was delighted to claim Silver. 

“My coach has been pushing me much harder this winter, upping the ante in my training and changing a few things for this Olympic season. I’m now working with a Strength and Conditioning coach at the EIS in Manchester as well as for the first time ever including pilates and yoga as part of my training programme, which makes things a bit more interesting compared to the gym.

“I would certainly hope to be shaving a good chunk off my PB early in the outdoor season which would set me up well for the rest of this year.

“I really believe I have a good chance at getting individual places in the 100m, 200m and Relay teams for the Beijing squad.

“On lighter note hopefully my team, Liverpool qualify for the next stage of the Champions League. Hopefully this doesn’t distract them from achieving fourth in the Premiership this year as I love the big European nights at Anfield.

“Personally I’m hoping for double success this year with Liverpool winning the Champions League and for me to win an Olympic Medal in Beijing. What a great year that would be.”