Yesterday, Britain's golden girl of athletics, Jessica Ennis attended a Jaguar Academy of Sport workshop in Leeds as part of the unique Mentoring and Education Programme provided for the benefit of the Academy's Rising Stars.
The Jaguar Academy Ambassador was able to pass on some of her knowledge that she has accumulated over her successful and growing sporting career. Jessica has a real passion for inspiring our next generation of sporting stars and believes mentoring is key to this goal.
Mentoring and Education Programme: Coping with Injury
Jessica first started her athletics journey by attending an athletics camp, where former heptathlete, Nicola Minichiello and her current coach, Toni Minichiello, spotted her talent. Her support network included her coach and her dedicated parents, but she did not have access to programme's like the Jaguar Academy of Sport, and so understands how valuable this support is to Britain's talented future stars.
At the age of 14 Jess drew a lot of inspiration from watching Academy Patron Denise Lewis OBE at Sydney 2000 and continues to gain insights from her. Jessica in turn is now keen to take an active role in guiding and inspiring our next generation of British athletes.
Jessica is set to be one of Britain's leading gold-medal prospects next summer, and undoubtedly understands the difficulty of juggling non-sporting commitments whilst becoming an elite athlete. Her insight provided the Rising Stars with guidance on how to cope with added lifestyle pressures such as schoolwork, social commitments and family life, advising them on how best to manage these, whilst also striving to be the next British sporting superstar.
Jaguar Academy of Sport Rising Stars, Mentors & Jess Ennis
Later in the day, one of our talented Rising Stars, 17 year-old middle / long distance runner Emelia Gorecka, was able to benefit from one-to-one mentoring with Jessica. Emelia is the current 3,000m Commonwealth Youth Games Champion and is on the pathway to become an elite athlete. Jessica discussed the world of competitive sport, passing on track specific guidance and advice to Emelia, and focused on how to progress from talented junior to an elite senior athlete.
Jess Ennis mentoring Rising Star Emelia Gorecka
Jessica Ennis, Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador commented:"I am so honored to be able to work so closely with our sporting stars of tomorrow. The Mentoring and Education Programme that the Jaguar Academy of Sport provides its Rising Stars is truly unique and of such value, more so than any financial amount. I believe one of the best ways to inspire our next generation of sporting talent is by passing on experiences of the people who have been there and I just wish schemes like this were available when I was starting out"
Emelia Gorecka, Jaguar Academy of Sport Rising Star:"Today has been a truly inspirational day, I've really enjoyed working with Jessica and I've picked up some great tips that I can't wait to put into action. To be able to discuss my concerns with one of my heroes who is competing on the level I aspire to is amazing, I just hope one day I can be as successful as her!"
Jess Ennis & Emelia Gorecka racing a Jaguar XK
