December 18, 2013

CQC sponsored athlete Shakira Whight sets her sights on Commonwealth 2014

Shakira Whight with Lord Coe

After taking a year out of training to focus on my work as a primary school teacher, I am back and working hard to reach my goal of competing in the 2014 Commonwealth Games which will be taking place in Glasgow. As I have been out of training for such a long while, it has definitely been tough making the comeback. Before returning to the track, my coach and I devised a plan which would help me to gradually build my fitness, strength and jumping rhythm. So far the plan is working, I’m on track (pardon the pun!) and hopefully this continues! As well as training 5 days a week I am also a Year 3 teacher in my home town Reading, so my days and evenings are pretty hectic travelling to and from training!

I had such a good athletic year in 2012 where I won the Bronze medal at the Olympic Trials, ended the year ranked 6th in the UK for triple jump, met Lord Sebastian Coe at the opening of the London Olympic Stadium and interviewed Usain Bolt ahead of the 2012 Olympics! After all these achievements I’m extremely focused on getting to the Commonwealth Games. I have a very supportive team behind me which includes my coach, family, friends and of course CQC Solutions, not forgetting all the pupils and teachers at my primary school.

Although Christmas is nearing, I can’t risk taking my foot off the pedal as my first competition is in early January! So I continue to train 5 days a week which consists of weights, plyometrics, speed endurance and core fitness. I plan to compete in around 4 or more indoor competitions early next year and this is vital preparation for my outdoor season. The biggest competition of my indoor season will be the UK Indoor Championships 2014 taking place in Sheffield in February. I look forward to seeing what the new year brings!