In July 2004 Kelly held a selection day for 13 young female middle distance athletes with the intention of selecting eight to go with her on a training and educational camp in South Africa in October/November. The girls invited to the selection were those that performance wise had the potential to progress through the ranks if they received the right mentoring, guidance and direction.

At the selection day the athletes were put through physically demanding tests as well as character analysis and an interview process and were assessed not only on their physical capabilities but also on their determination and attitude. Selection was made and although two of the originally selected girls were not able to take part in the camp due to injury or illness, eight travelled to South Africa with Kelly in October.

The camp, fully funded by Norwich Union, took place in Kelly’s regular training base of Potchefstroom, south west of Johannesburg, between Monday 25 October and Friday 19 November. The eight girls who took part in the camp were Charlotte Browning, Dani Christmas, Jo Finch, Laura Finucane, Jo Harper, Non Stanford, Rachael Thompson and Danielle Walker.

The athletes gained an invaluable insight into the life of an elite international full time athlete from a double Olympic champion. They learnt about things such as planning a journey, tactics of racing, visualisation, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries, training methods, life skills, organisational techniques and team work and application. They benefited from top class medical treatment and advice and most importantly gained new life experiences.

Click here for related news story
Click here to visit the gallery