Bearsden athlete Beth is back on track
BEARSDEN athlete Beth Potter admits she will judge success this year on times, not medals, after revealing she has spent more time on the treatment table than the track since March.
The 18-year-old had high hopes for 2010 after recovering from a fall to finish fifth in the 3,000m at last summer's European Junior Championships in Serbia.
Potter built on that by securing selection to March's World Cross Country Championships in Poland, but was forced to run through the pain barrier after injuring her shin in the build up to the event.
The former Bearsden Academy pupil hasn't taken to the track since, and put the injury down to a change in her training following a move to Loughborough University.
The Victoria Park City of Glasgow runner said: "I am looking at getting back later in the season and setting personal best times.
"I am in no rush and that may mean I miss out on the World Junior Championships, while taking part in the Commonwealth Games would just be a bonus.
"But I'm not looking at them. I just want to progress from the injury and run close to, if not better, than before."
"Last year I did a lot of swimming as part of my cross-training and when I went to university I upped the mileage on the track instead as I didn't think I was strong enough."
But Potter started suffering problems after Christmas when she experienced tight calves which set her training back.
She is now she is back in the pool but described the whole experience as "big kick to the system."
Beth added: "I hadn't been swimming for a couple of months, but have been doing it for eight weeks now, and I am fitter than I was before I was injured."
The young athlete's form has been so good in the pool that she admits to giving thought to this month's Scottish National Championships while also being approached by the triathlon club at Loughborough.
Potter has also been helped in her bid to get back on the track after being invited back onto the UKA Heroes Project, sponsored by Original Source.
Through the initiative, she will receive two cheques for 500 throughout the year. The scheme offers financial support to talented young athletes who are working towards the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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