A member of the Aviva ‘On Camp with Kelly’ mentoring and education programme, created by Dame Kelly Holmes before the 2004 Olympic Games, took the World Under-23 title at ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday October 20, whilst more than thirty athletes were invited to attend the latest Get-Together in London.
Non Stanford, who attended the very first ‘On Camp with Kelly’ training and educational camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa has enjoyed a breakthrough year in the World Triathlon series, winning the Mixed Team World Title in August and produced a brilliant performance to win the Women’s series this weekend.
Dame Kelly Holmes said: “The journey and changes I have seen in the athletes, since I started ‘On Camp with Kelly’ in early 2004 have been quite incredible. I am so happy for Non, she has had an amazing year to win two world triathlon titles! It has been a pleasure to have shared Non’s journey, with so many highs and lows since I first met Non as a 15 year old, when she was selected as the youngest athlete to attend my first camp in South Africa just after Athens.”
Non, now 23 born in Bridgend said: “‘On Camp with Kelly’ has definitely impacted on my performance. Having someone like Kelly who has recognised that you have a talent and has shown faith in you is obviously going to give you some confidence.
“She’s got a crazy schedule but she still makes time for all of us. Having that support, just someone else who’s feeding into your team and helping you, is obviously invaluable. When I went to my first World Championships Series race which was the biggest race that I’ve ever done, I felt a lot more relaxed because I felt like we’d already been taught how to deal with those situations and what to expect. I put that down to what I’ve done with Kelly. Things like dealing with your emotions before a race and being in a call up area with all the other athletes.
“We did a lot of work when I was 16, 17 on how to deal with that sort of thing and what to expect in those situations and how to conduct yourself. It’s the support in preparation which is completely invaluable and you’re not really going to get it from many other places.”
Amongst the friends she has made through ‘On Camp with Kelly’ attending the Get-Together at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, was World Silver medallist Hannah England, who represented Team GB at this summer’s Olympic Games. Some athletes that couldn’t attend, including Non, recorded special messages for the athletes to share their latest news.
The middle-distance athletes took part in a series of education workshops and training sessions at one of the leading Olympic training facilities in the UK. The workshops covered using social media and goal review and planning by leading experts in their field Sybil Ruscoe and Dr Anna Waters. The athletes discussed good and bad examples of using twitter and facebook in the social media session, comparing the likes of heptathlete Jessica Ennis and cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
Hannah England, a member of ‘On Camp with Kelly’ since 2004 said: “Being part of Aviva ‘On Camp with Kelly’ for the last year has been a massive pleasure and privilege. Without the education, knowledge and personal support from Kelly I wouldn’t have achieved what I have. Additionally I have made some wonderful friends who have helped me through difficult periods and celebrated the good ones.”
For more information about ‘On Camp with Kelly’ and latest news and updates go to www.oncampwithkelly.co.uk or search Aviva Athletics on Facebook
