WORCESTER Athletic Club ace Heather Paton has recalled her pride at competing with the nation’s elite at the recent British Athletics Indoor Championships at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield.
The prestigious event saw Britain’s best go head-to-head for a place on the GB & NI team for the World Indoor Championships, which will be held in Poland in March, and flying teenage star Paton was one of only two 17-year-olds competing in the 60m hurdles event.
The EIS is the training base of London 2012 gold medallist Jessica Ennis and Pershore High School student Paton had seen her impressive form over the past year rewarded as she was chosen for the invitation-only event.
Having already had a very successful indoor season, including lowering the club record five times and running inside the national entry standard in every race, this was the Bishampton youngster’s first step on to the big stage alongside the nation’s top seniors.
Entering the warm-up area alongside Olympic stars past and present such as Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Linford Christie (now a coach) and Jenny Meadows could easily have been overwhelming, but Paton went through her normal warm-up routine looking every bit the experienced performer.
Lining up in heat two, in front of live TV cameras, she recalled the moment.
“I was nervous but also more excited than I’ve ever been before a race,” said Paton.
“When the camera came across for my introduction I just smiled and didn’t know if I should wave. It was great being announced as second placed at the Scottish Championships.”
Remembering the moment the athletes were called to their marks, she continued: “I reminded myself that I’d earned my place here and that this is what I do.
“I remembered what I’d discussed with my coach about it being just another race and focused on running aggressively.”
Clearly the approach worked as 8.81 seconds later Paton had finished in sixth place, which was another lowering of her personal best and club record to finish 17th overall on the day – a very good start to what she hopes will be many days at the national championships.
“The first time is all about gaining experience, but in a year or two I’d like to be making it to the final,” added Paton.
“After that, who knows how far I could get, but I’d love to qualify for an international championship for Great Britain one day.”
