Sky Academy Scholar and pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw Q&A
Friday 24 March 2017 12:42, UK
It's been quite a year for Holly Bradshaw and the drama will no doubt keep rolling with an Olympics approaching fast.
And you can get a cracking insight to life as the country's top vaulter in Sky Academy's latest documentary.
WATCH: I am Holly Bradshaw. (Available now On Demand via Sky Go)
The 24-year-old pole vaulter from Preston, now based in Cardiff, may have missed out on a medal at the Beijing World Championships in August, but her resurgence has put her in great spirits for the Rio Games.
A niggling back injury and opting to focus on preparing for the outdoor season put competing on hold for 16 months, but the Sky Academy Sports Scholar is most definitely back!
Holly is one of 12 Sky Academy Sports Scholars and she's been featured in a special Sky Academy show that's been broadcast over the last week.
The flying star took time out from getting ready for winter training to answer a few personal questions.....
1. WHAT'S THE MOST ANNOYING QUESTION YOU'RE ASKED?
Questions about my rivals - I'm only focused on myself.
2. DO YOU EVER DREAM ABOUT SPORT OR ATHLETICS?
Yes. Sometimes when I'm working on technical aspects in training, I tend to dream about it. Replaying the process in my mind of me doing it perfectly.
3. DO YOU EVER THINK OF STRANGE THINGS WHEN YOU'RE FLYING OVER THE BAR?
Not really! Usually happy if I've cleared it and raging if I've knocked it off!
4. YOUR PERSONAL BEST IS 4.87m - 39cm HIGHER THAN A DOUBLE DECKER BUS - WOULD YOU EVER CONSIDER JUMPING A BUS?
Definitely. I'm well up for trying to clear a bus!
5. SUM UP WHAT IT'S LIKE FLYING OVER THE POLE VAULT BAR?
It's the best feeling ever. Only if you clear the bar I guess. It happens so quick you hardly have time to think but it feels like you're flying.
6. IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Cheetah. I would like to know what it feels like to run at 60/70mph.
7. WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU INTO?
I usually just listen to the top 40. I tend to just like whatever is new. I love Adele and Sam Smith though.
8. YOU'RE INTO YOUR LEGO - WHAT HAVE YOU BUILT RECENTLY?
Nothing! That really upsets me but I've been super busy with training and university work. I really need to ask for one for one off Father Christmas.
9. IF YOU WEREN'T AN ATHLETE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I've always wanted to be a PE teacher. More recently I've thought I would like to be a pole vault coach or maybe even in the police force.
10. ANY TIPS FOR STAYING CALM ON THE RUN WAY?
Just think about the process. Think about what you want to achieve and important cues you should be thinking about instead of worrying or getting anxious.
11. WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR MEDALS AND TROPHIES?
We have a study and I have all my medals, numbers, accreditations all presented on the shelves. It's like a memorabilia room to be honest rather than any studying going on.
12. WHICH FAMOUS PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO DINNER?
Actor Will Smith, comedian Sarah Millican and actress Melissa McCarthy.
13. WHO'S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My family. They have inspired me the whole way.
14. YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
Spiders.
15. WHAT'S THE BEST THING SOMEONE'S EVER TOLD YOU?
When my husband tells me he loves me.
16. WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN WALES?
I love Wales! Everyone is so friendly - but the best thing is I've made some amazing friends by being in Wales.
WATCH: I am Holly Bradshaw. (Available now On Demand via Sky Go)
