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Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Helen Clitheroe on what it feels like to stand on the podium, the importance of the Games in her career and pride in pulling on the England kit.

What part has the Commonwealth Games played in your athletics career?
The Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur was my first multi-sport championship and played a huge role in my development. I had my first taste of how to prepare for, and cope with training at a holding camp before a championship and it’s an experience that I will never forget. I remember that I was sharing an apartment with Kelly Holmes, Diane Modahl and some other high profile athletes. I learnt loads from talking to them and watching how they prepared for the competition it was really motivating – there was a real buzz about the place. Competing in a multi-sport championship and living in an athlete village can be extremely challenging and is very different from what you experience at a World or European Champs so I really believe that the Commonwealth Games is a good stepping stone before an Olympics; I’m sure that if you asked Jessica Ennis she would say the same.

What are your fondest memories of the Commonwealth Games?
In 2002 The Games were in Manchester, very close to my home town of Preston. I won a bronze medal and it still sends a shiver down my spine when I remember what it felt like to stand on the rostrum, in front of the packed stadium and receive my medal. Kelly Holmes won Gold and the whole stadium was singing Land of Hope and Glory it was absolutely amazing – an experience that I will never forget. The Manchester Games will always hold a special place in my heart!


What makes the Commonwealth Games different from other major Championships?
The Commonwealth Games is often called `The Friendly Games’, and for some reason there does seem to be less pressure despite the fact that everyone still wants to perform well. The team spirit is always fantastic and it’s one of the rare occasions that we get to put on an English vest. It’s funny really, the English are never very patriotic however when we see how patriotic the other Home Countries are at the Commonwealth Games our St George’s cross flags soon come out!

The Commonwealth Games are in October 2010, what advice would you give to athletes preparing for a competition so late in the year?
I would say that they should always look at the big picture. If you are aiming to compete in Delhi then it should be part of your plans for next year already. You can’t prepare by waiting to see if you get selected and then make a plan – that won’t get the results you are looking for. You always need to focus on the end game.
On a personal note I think that the fact that the European Championships are so early next year is an advantage. There will be the opportunity to take a short break after Barcelona and then re-build towards Delhi. I usually compete on the track until late September so I think that it will work well for me.

Finally, what aspirations do you have for Delhi?
Delhi is firmly in my plans and I am really looking forward to my 4th Commonwealths. Although I am coming towards the end of my career I still see Delhi as a massive opportunity and I believe that I can perform very well there. Next year will be slightly different for me as I no longer have the pressure of being on the World Class Plan on me. This means that I can move away from steeplechase during the early part of 2010 and use 1500m to help more with my preparation. I will take a different approach this year but my aspirations will always be firmly fixed on a medal no-matter what I do!

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