Dame Kelly inspires female sports stars of future

Pupils from Harrogate Ladies’ College and Queen Mary’s School in Baldersby Park, near Thirsk, were among 600 students who attended the Girls Go Gold conference, organised by the Girls’ School Association (GSA).

The event is aimed at pupils aged 14 to 17 who attend GSA schools and are already playing at either county or national level in their chosen sport.

Dame Kelly, a double Olympic gold medal winner, was the keynote speaker at the event, which took place at Edgbaston High School for Girls, Birmingham

Earlier this year, a GSA survey found that almost a third of independent UK girls’ schools have pupils who are hoping to compete in the 2012 Olympics while over 68 per cent have pupils who routinely represent their country at international level.

Nicky Butters, director of physical education at Harrogate Ladies’ College, a former England hockey player, said: “I am delighted that some of our sportswomen were able to attend.

“Kelly Holmes’s message was extremely powerful and reflected the positive attitude and commitment that young athletes must bring to sport if they’re to enjoy success at the highest level.”

Vickie Charmer, head of outdoor education at Queen Mary’s School, said: “The girls did find it inspirational and it has given them an understanding of what they need to do to take their talent to the next level. There was lots of practical advice.

“The girls now understand that it is not just about having the talent and training hard. They learned about the importance of nutrition and psychology and how it can give them the edge on their competitors.”

She told the Yorkshire Post the conference would give the girls a better understanding of the commitment they needed once they left school where pursuing their sport would take extra effort.

Queen Mary’s pupil 15-year-old Charlotte Kassell said: “It was an inspiring day. Dame Kelly was truly amazing, leaving us with aspirations and dreams for the future.

“We’ve now got to follow those dreams and be determined as to what we want.

“We have learnt so much from the day. It was incredible.”

The event also included a visit from Hannah England, who took silver in the 1,500 metres at the recent World Championships, and a session about what a day in the life of an elite performer is like.