ATHLETICS: A UNIVERSITY student is hoping to leap ahead of the competition in next month’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Fiona Clarke, who is studying a Higher National Diploma in Sport, Coaching and Physical Education at the University of Worcester, has been selected to represent England at the games, in the F38 category long jump competition.
The event is one of several para-sport disciplines integrated into the Commonwealth programme and will take place on the opening day of track and field, July 27, at Hampden Park.
The 19-year-old from Rubery, who has cerebral palsy, is part of the university’s Elite Athlete Mentor Scheme, which supports students who combine their studies with high-level competition.
She will represent her country alongside the likes of double Olympic chwampion Mo Farah and London 2012 champion Greg Rutherford.
“I can’t really put into words how I’m feeling at the moment, I’m just completely over the moon.” she said. “It’s easily my biggest achievement to date and now I’m determined to go there and make the team proud.
“My ambition, and the condition on which I was selected, is to go there and finish within the top eight, which is the goal of every athlete selected for Team England.
“The backing I’ve received has been brilliant and everyone has supported me tremendously.”
