An Olympic runner, who has competed in both the London and Rio games, has been inspiring pupils at a Pudsey school to “go for gold”!
Headingley-based Laura Weightman, who was addressing an assembly during Fulneck School’s enrichment week, told her young audience that the key to success was “never to give up”.
In addition to appearing in two Olympic 1500m finals, the 25-year-old has won bronze at the 2014 European Games and, the same year, silver at the Commonwealth games.
The middle-distance runner – who is hoping to be part of the Team GB squad competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – told her young audience about her gruelling training regime, which involves her running on an average 80 miles every week.
She also revealed that she suffered from asthma and severe hay fever, but, thanks to regular visits to a physiotherapist, she had learned how to breathe properly and manage her lungs.
However, whilst competing in Beijing in 2015, Laura suffered concussion after fainting on the racetrack, which left her unable to train for eight weeks.
Laura said:
“I dreamed big and competing in the London Olympics at the age of 21 was very special, but three years later my world came crashing around me.
“Despite not being able to train I didn’t give up, and later this year I’ll be at the World Championships in London.
“I have achieved my dream by not giving up and hopefully I’ll running in the Tokyo Olympics.”
Fulneck School Head of Sport Ryan Walker said:
“We are very grateful to Laura for taking time out of her hectic training schedule to visit Fulneck and talk to the students about her career.
“The theme of our enrichment week was ‘Going for Gold’, and Laura’s talk was truly inspirational. She is a superb athlete and we wish her all the best for this summer’s World Championships.”