Barton Peveril’s British Athletics Student

@BartonPeveril Sixth Form College student Holly Wilkinson has been selected for the British Athletics Youth Talent Programme. Wilkinson, who competes nationally in the 800 metres, 1500 metres, and cross-country athletics events, was selected for her potential to be a British track star of the future.

The Youth Talent Programme is the first step in the England Talent pathway, helping talented athletes develop a dual career by fulfilling their potential within the sport and also in their education and employability. It helps to add value to athletes by developing a broad range of skills, abilities and behaviours needed for senior success.

Wilkinson, who formerly attended Brookfield Community School and who benefits from the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) at College, was selected for the national programme after a four stage application process. Wilkinson submitted an application outlining her suitability for the programme before attending a Youth Talent Profiling Day and successfully making it through a selection panel. The Barton Peveril student was then inducted, as part of the final stage of the process.

To-date, Wilkinson has listed personal bests of 2 minutes 20 seconds for the 800m and 4 minutes 46 seconds for the 1500 metres. These personal bests earned her a qualification place in the English Schools Athletics Championships in 2018. During that season, Wilkinson also won the Hampshire Cross-Country Championships and was Hampshire champion in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events. In 2019, the student won the Hampshire Championships in the 1500 metres Steeple Chase.

Speaking on her success, Holly Wilkinson said:

“I was really pleased to get selected – I know that they have very limited places and I didn’t expect to get a place on the programme. It has helped with my confidence that based just on my PBs and achievements so far I was recognised as a talented athlete and I think the two-year course will be invaluable to helping me reach my longer term goals – gaining a place at an American university where I can study and train.”

Alix Christopher, Barton Peveril Teacher of Sport and Physical Education and TASS Dual Career Coordinator, praised Holly Wilkinson on her success:

“We are very proud of Holly’s selection onto the youth talent programme and wish her the best of luck, hopefully some events will still be able to take place soon!”