World and Olympic rower mentors Plymouth College athletes - 18/2/10

Published: 18 February, 2010

World Champion rower and Olympic silver medallist, Miriam Batten, has held a mentoring workshop at Plymouth College for its elite athletes and their support teams.

With the 2012 Olympics as the focus, Miriam talked to the school's top swimmers and modern pentathletes about setting short, medium and long term goals, keeping focussed and getting the right balance in their academic, sporting and personal lives.

She also held a session with coaches and pastoral staff, looking at how they could better support the young athletes and improve communication with teaching staff.

"We were exploring goals, in particular sporting dream goals", said Miriam.  "These may range from winning the next competition to an Olympic gold medal.  Dream goals can only be achieved with determination and huge amounts of hard work.  Often the most talented are not the most determined. 

"I got the young athletes to test their determination and look at what makes up mental toughness.  We discussed the reasons why top sportsmen such as Chris Hoy and Steve Redgrave realise their talent and win so many medals while other hopefuls do not. 

"Planning is also crucial, as a goal without a plan is unlikely to come to fruition.  The young athletes need to understand the value of education so that they can realise not just their sporting goals but goals for life after sport as well.  This means planning for the long term and making informed choices now."

World Schools Games gold medallist and elite swimmer, David Gregory, said: "Miriam made us think for ourselves and gave great advice on how to plan our lives and achieve goals.  I've come away from the session with a much better focus on how to get where I want to."

GB fencer and modern pentathlete, Georgina Barrington, said: "The session with Miriam was really constructive and I see how it is much easier to keep focussed if you have a proper written plan to follow.  I can already see ways in which I can improve my training but she also made me think about making sure I get enough sleep and eat the right food in order to perform to the best of my ability."