Paratriathlon coach Emma Springham claims she has a better idea of what to expect at a multisport event after attending the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Based in Loughborough, Springham was part of a motivated support staff who accompanied a young, emerging talent as part of the Team England Futures programme.
While in Birmingham, she was able to experience some action in hockey, 3×3 basketball and swimming while taking a tour of the Athletes Village.
Springham is a regional Pathway Coach, caring for paratriathletes from the South of England who are new to the system, while also identifying young talent emerging to join the sport.
Visit of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge #sports aid house last week to see #TeamEnglandFutures active programs in # Birmingham 2022 Federation game! The Duchess has been a patron of SportsAid since 2013.
▶️https://t.co/VNPyQcz4Jh@ Kensington Royal pic.twitter.com/RtGFSFf2vU
— Sports Aid (@TeamSportsAid) August 9, 2022
“I don’t think we really knew what it was going to be,” said Springham.
“I am a total novice to the world of performance.
“People tell you things and you don’t believe it, but it really took me forever to go to the Athletes’ Village and get certified.
“For me, it’s really important to see that. Ultimately it’s the athlete’s turn, so I’m able to facilitate and help when it’s the athlete’s turn.”
Team England Futures aims to better prepare athletes to deliver medal-winning performances as debutants for either Team England, Team GB or Paralympic GB in future competitions. challenges they may face in multisport competitions.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte visited the University of Birmingham to honor those involved.
The Duchess has been a patron of SportsAid since 2013 and has attended a series of workshops to provide athletes with further insight into the mental challenges ahead.
Birmingham 2022 was the second Commonwealth Games to include a paratriathlon in its programme, and included competition for the visually impaired for both men and women.
David Ellis and Katie Crowhurst winning the PTVI race, adding to Alex Yee’s gold in the men’s race and England’s winning in the mixed relay, to be a very successful game for Team England has been proven.
Springham believed it was a great showcase for her sport, stating:
“The para triathlon that Katie has competed in and won a gold medal.
“It’s great to have someone who can say, ‘I can do this, see what you can do.
“She will actually be at the School Games with us in September, so having her part of our cohort is great in terms of inspiring the next generation.”
Commonwealth Games England has appointed SportsAid to lead the development, management and operational delivery of Team England Futures at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. For more information on the programme, please visit https://www.sportsaid.org.uk/partnerships/team-england-futures/.
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