Amy Williams: Schooldays

Sport was encouraged to take part in, but I don't specifically remember someone saying to make a career out of it. I remember filling in computer tests to see which career it said for you to do and mine always came up with outdoor options!

If I look back at my schooling life in Bath then I had a great time, but I think you never realise this when you are actually there having to work and take tests and exams.

I always participated in everything I could, whether that was school trips or all the sports on sports day. I made the most of everything that was given to me. I wouldn't say I was hugely academic as it was always sport and art that took up all my hours.

Yes I wanted a change, and my brother was up the road at Beechen cliff so I knew a few teachers there already. It was great as we had a few tight knit group of girls in the sixth form (they had only just started having girls a year before).

Again I did every sport offered. I did Psychology, Art and PE for my A Levels. I loved them all. Especially my art, as there were no essays to write which I remember dreading!

I was definitetly the sporty kid in school, anyone who remembers me will know that. I loved athletics and running. I rcame to the conclusion when I was about 18, that I wasn't quite enough to make it and get a GB vest in athletics. I had lots of shin injuries so needed to rest alot. During this time I had left school and was looking for the next step. I ended up doing an Art Foundation course at Bath College and at the same time staying in Bath I discovered skeleton at Bath University. I gave the push track a go, and realised that my sprinting speed would come in handy and so took it up.

In the summer I train at Bath University as there are brilliant facilities. All winter, from October - March, I am all over the world or wherever the tracks are. From the USA, to Canada, Germany, Norway, Austria, Switzerland.....

I'm back in the gym now training again! I haven't had much rest as my holiday was cancelled due to the volcano!

I aim to stay in skeleton a while longer as I still feel like I have some more goals to achieve, and potentially another Olympics inside me.

I would say that If you want to do sport then you need to go for it and give it everything you have. Train hard, work hard at it. However, don't forget to still work hard at school and at university, as a injury can end your career anytime. You need something you can still fall back on.

Once I decided I wanted to get to the very top level in my sport, I gave it my all. Every decision in my life was then answered by thinking..."will this help me reach my goal or not?".

That's a hard one as I could say yes, but then it is important to also keep your academic work up and injury can always stop you. You need a balance.

Schools can always do more to get all pupils doing sport and to make them realise there potential as a athlete.

I would always say put money into sport. The children at school are our future champions and it needs to be nurtured wisely. Children learn about sport in school first and what they learn there stays with them. Linking schools with local sports clubs as an after school activity would be a great start.