Olivia Breen on tinkering with her technique and avoiding cakes
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 14/02/17 11:57am
Olivia Breen has spent the last few weeks battling the dodgy weather conditions and temptations to chomp cake.
It seems to be a fight the 19-year-old sprinter is winning as the Sky Academy Sports Scholar starts cranking up her efforts towards the outdoor season.
Here are the latest words from Olivia as she continues her journey towards - hopefully - a second Paralympics....
It's been a busy few weeks since the start of the New Year. After competing at the London Indoors a few weeks ago I decided not to take part in any more indoor competitions and instead focus on my training.
I was quite happy with my performance in the 60m which was close to my personal best but it just felt too soon to start competing again after the end of my very late outdoor season.
I am really happy to have made the decision and I can now firmly concentrate on my training. My long jump training is going really well and I'm delighted with the improvements I've made in the distances I'm jumping.
My technique has also been good. I have a long way to go but it is really encouraging to see the improvements.
I have also been doing more endurance training which is really hard particularly in this hideous, windy weather! It is good though and is definitely improving my fitness which can only be good.
February 5 marked the six months to go to the Olympics in Rio which is incredible! Some of the Sky Academy Sports Scholars took over Sky and met lots of the staff to explain what being a Scholar means.
It's always great going to the Sky Studios as everyone is so positive and enthusiastic. We were also very privileged to spend time with cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy who is a fantastic role model for us young athletes with his outlook and approach to training.
Meeting up with some of the other Scholars and comparing stories about training and our lives was also really helpful.
It was a busy week because the following day I visited St Catherine's School in Guildford where I told some of the other girls about my journey and life as an athlete. It was lovely to meet them.
I also spent time at home celebrating my brother's and grandmother's birthday. It was lovely being at home again but no more birthday cake for me until after Rio!
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS
JAN 16 - MARCH 5: Siobhan O'Connor, Australia
FEB 22-28: Jack Bateson, Strandja tournament, Bulgaria
FEB 27: Lucy Garner, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
FEB 28: Lucy Garner, Omloop van het Hageland
FEB 27/28: Mark English, National Indoor Champs, Athlone
