Eilidh Child Reveals her Olympic Dream

This year could prove to be a breakthrough season for Scottish athlete Eilidh Child. Having only taken up athletics because of the influence of her sister, the 400m hurdler is now on the verge of competing at her first Commonwealth Games and has the Olympics in her sight.
 
Over the last two years Child has continuously improved her track times and is now one of Britain’s top female hurdlers. At last years European Under-23 Championships she claimed a silver medal and was recognised as one of the favourites in the field.
 
Child also tasted success at the European Team Cup earlier this month in Bergen, Norway where she surpassed even her own expectations and finished second in a strong field. This was an impressive showing from the athlete who admits amongst the seniors she is a relative unknown.
 
“It was great going to the under-23’s with a bit of added pressure as I was expected to do well. I really enjoyed the competition but it was really strange when I stepped up to senior level,” admits Child. “I’m not really expected to do anything now, but that is what makes you work harder and chase medals.”
 
The 23-year-old is certainly making her mark on the European stage and is hoping that she gets the chance to impress at the Commonwealths in Delhi later this year. Child also admits it will be nice to represent Scotland at a major competition, something that she rarely gets to do.
 
“This season has been going really well, touch wood I won’t pick up any injuries on the run in to Delhi. I definitely want to be part of the team and it would be very special to represent my country. It’s great running for Team GB but I think it is a little more sentimental when you race for your own country.”
 
It would certainly be a fantastic achievement should Child make it to Delhi as she still works two days a week at a school in her home town of Perth, Scotland. You might think that working as a PE teacher would distract the hurdler from her training, but Child believes it is a welcome distraction.
 
“I really enjoy combining the training and the school work as it helps me relax and takes my mind of all the hard work I will be doing. It is really tough when you are training everyday so it’s nice to be able to do something different as it breaks the week up.”
 
Although Child can currently combine the two roles there may come a time when athletics becomes her sole focus. With the Olympics just two years away the British hurdler is already thinking ahead to London and realises that to compete with the world's best she may have give up her school role.

The Scottish record holder already faces plenty of competition close to home with both Tasha Danvers and Perri Shakes-Drayton among the top European competitors. However, Child remains confident that she can continue to improve and force her way into Team GB in 2012.
 
“I am really hopeful that I can be part of the London Olympics as it would be a dream come true to compete on the biggest stage. It’s not too far away and although I am focused on every race it is certainly in the back of my mind. Obviously I still have a long way to go but I am going to continue to work hard and hopefully keep improving.”
 
If Child can continue to steadily improve then there is no reason why she cannot claim a medal for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and fulfil her dream of competing at the Olympics.

Eilidh Child wears the PUMA Complete Velosis 2  - www.pumarunning.com