Holt bids to beat virus in time for Games qualification
CLECKHEATON hammer thrower Sarah Holt has targeted a Commonwealth Games appearance as the perfect tonic for a season blighted by a mystery illness.
The 23-year-old was on top of the world after being called-up for the European Team Championships in Bergen only for a virus to take its toll – meaning she threw a disappointing 55.66metres, almost ten metres off her personal best of 65.51m.
Holt managed to throw six days later at the UK Championships but only needed a distance of 57.56metres as the effects of the virus still lingered – cutting down her hopes of competing in Barcelona at the European Championships.
But despite being hit hard by the setback, Holt has vowed to bounce back in style by booking her seat on the plane to Delhi for October's Commonwealth Games when she competes again in Gateshead at the England Athletic Senior Outdoor Championships on July 17.
"Things haven't been going very well for me recently and I have had a torrid time of it really," said Holt.
"I have been struggling with a virus since Bergen so I have had it for three weeks now and have been suffering with the aftermath of that.
"The last three weeks have been a writeoff but there is nothing I can do about it, I just need to get back out there and focus on my goal of making the Commonwealth Games.
"Despite all that has happened I still think that I can make it to Delhi and I will be working really hard to make sure I can do just that.
"The qualifying standard is 62m and I have managed that a number of times so I am confident of making it. No matter what state I am in when I turn up at Gateshead for the trials, I am sure I can go out there and put in a big throw.
"I am just going to get in plenty of rest ahead of Gateshead so I can feel as fresh as possible. I am itching to get out there again."
Holt hasn't competed since June 26 and will give her body a complete rest before heading to Gateshead for what will be her first competitive throw in three weeks.
And although she is behind where she would like to be physically, Holt admits the whole experience may benefit her in the long-run.
She added: "I am not exactly sure what the illness is but I have had some blood tests and I should be getting the results of those soon and I hope that I can finally look to get it sorted.
"I just feel shattered all the time and I am constantly suffering with muscle soreness and headaches. The worst thing is that I have really been struggling to train and I have just had to pick it up where and when I can depending on how I feel.
"It has taught me a few things because when I went to Birmingham it was my seventh consecutive competition in seven weeks and perhaps that is a bit too much. This has taught me a lot about my body and I will address a few things ahead of next season."
UKA Heroes project sponsored by Original Source is a successful initiative which offers financial support to talented young athletes who are working towards the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 12 February 2012
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