Archery ace Heather Hughes is gunning for glory and preparing in the perfect way possible – by learning from two former champions.
Hughes, 20, was one of five young athletes to be hand-picked to take part in a special Zoom mentoring session with former Paralympic gold medallist Danny Crates and four-time Olympian Donna Fraser.
The in-depth, 90-minute session was set up by Entain and SportsAid – who financially support Hughes’ journey – with former training partners Fraser and Crates now forming a dynamic duo delivering expert advice.
All five athletes were given the chance to ask a range of questions covering topics such as setbacks, preparation and training and Hughes, who represents Nethermoss Archers and has Commonwealth Games aspirations, said: “It was really useful. They have had a lot of experience as internationals in their sports.
“One of them mentioned writing down something positive and reading it over as an affirmation.
“I've heard about it before, it's been recommended by others and seeing someone who's had a lot of success and experienced internationals, it shows that it does work for some people and that it might work in my competitions as well.
“Even when they talked about times when it didn't go so well, they didn't dwell on it and they used it as something to improve from and to grow from.
“I’m hoping to go to some senior internationals since I will be a senior next year, and also do well in the national competitions.”
Hughes’ archery career is fuelled by Entain – owner of Ladbrokes and Coral – and SportsAid’s partnership that helps her access funding for training, travel and equipment.
And she was joined on the Zoom mentoring session by fellow aspiring athletes Craig Allen, Ethan Rose, Matthew Mackay and Kirsty Taylor, who are also supported by Entain and SportsAid’s innovative partnership.
The Merseyside archer first started the sport after being inspired by the Hunger Games and hopes to represent Scotland – where her mother hails from – at the Commonwealth Games.
She revelled in absorbing Crates and Fraser’s eminent insight and Crates, who soared to 800m Paralympic glory at Athens 2004, said: "Your whole careers are in front of you and your eyes are wide open to the potential of your futures.
“You don't know what's coming yet or what’s out there for you - you just know what you want, and I just love that."
Former sprinter Fraser, who competed at four Olympic Games and bagged a pair of World Championship bronze medals, added: "It's always a pleasure to share our journey and learnings with the next generation of talent.
“Hopefully all the athletes who joined the call found that fruitful.
"I'm really all for supporting the next generation, encouraging them not to make the same mistakes that I made and supporting them on their journey."
Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more
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