Interview with Jenny Meadows
Wigan’s Jenny Meadows is currently ranked as the third-fastest woman in the world. As an athlete, she has competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and won the bronze medal at the World Championships earlier this year.
Jenny talks to The LINC about Wigan, training for the 2012 Olympics and more.
What first inspired you to get into athletics?
A voluntary coach came into my primary school to tell me about Wigan Harriers when I was seven. I went along that night and I’m still a member today.
One of your first major successes was winning the English Schools Junior Championships. How did it feel picking up such a big win?
The English Schools is such a big competition for school aged children. It was a massive honour for me to win; It made me believe I had what it takes to reach the top.
You competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. What was that like?
Beijing was the realisation of a lifetime's dream. Being part of the greatest event on earth! Now I just have to win a medal at the next one!
Will we see you at the 2012 games in London?
Definitely! I think about it every day. We’re less than 1000 days away and I hope the London Games will be the pinnacle of my career.
How did it feel to win bronze at the World Championships earlier this year in Berlin?
I felt so much joy and pride! Not just for myself, but for all my family and friends who have supported me all these years. To be the 3rd fastest woman in the world was just staggering. I still feel overwhelmed.
It must take a lot of work to reach that level. How much training do you do?
I train twice a day, 7 days per week, 49 weeks a year. I feel like a robot at times, but when I have moments like I did in Berlin, it makes it all worthwhile.
When you’re not training or competing, how do you like to spend your free time?
Like most females I like to shop! I also like to eat nice meals with good company. We have a pet dog, Harvey, who we love to spoil.
Do you feel as though you’re now in the public eye more?
Yes, the medal success in Berlin has changed my life! People seem so much more interested in me and I’ve been doing lots of public appearances. Its all been great but I am back training hard again now and am having to limit how much I can do.
You were awarded Sports Achiever of the Year earlier this year at the Wigan Borough Sports Awards. What was it like being recognised for your achievements in your home town?
I spend perhaps up to 5 or 6 months away from home per year and I do miss life in Wigan and always feel excited to come back. Getting recognition from the town makes my affiliation for Wigan only grow stronger.
What was your favourite thing about growing up in Wigan?I
was always proud of the rugby team going to Wembley and winning 8 titles in a row!
By Chris Skoyles