Stockport’s steeplechase sensation Aimee Pratt has been called up to the Great Britain squad at the Loughborough International event this weekend.
Aimee, 18 and originally from Reddish, will be competing in her favourite event, the 3000m steeplechase, and will be hoping to set another personal best after already smashing her own record in the event twice this year.
This latest international recognition comes after the junior champion was part of the athletics squad for England in January at the Welsh Athletics Indoor International in Cardiff, and is another step towards her target of competing in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
“I am so happy to be given the opportunity to represent Team GB for the first time. My coach plans every session with purpose and makes me understand how I can reach my goals,” she said.
As well as her success in the 3000m steeplechase this year, Aimee has also broken her own records in 400m, 1500m and 1500m steeplechase.
Aimee’s coach is Vicente Modahl, husband of Diane, who is founder of the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF), a charity set up to give young people around Greater Manchester the chance to have access to world class coaching and coaches, and support and mentor future champions.
Aimee joined the foundation five years ago after her athletic potential was spotted by Diane. It was during a difficult time for her at school, and signing at DMSF gave her a fresh impetus on her life, and her career prospects.
Vicente said: “I am incredibly proud of Aimee; she embodies everything the Foundation is about as sport has motivated her, empowered her and given her a sustainable future.”
The young prospect is planning to make the World Junior Championships in Poland this summer, which would play a huge part in her development, and provide invaluable experience for competing at huge tournaments in the future such as the 2020 Olympics.