An update from Maddie

“Hello, I’m Maddie. I love sport, especially Athletics. My passion started when I attended the London 2012 Paralympics with my parents. My main events are 100m and Long Jump, but I’m also training for 60m and 200m for this years’ indoor season.

I have a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, which impacts my co-ordination, my core strength and my left-hand side. Muscles in my legs can often get tight and cause me pain. In July 2021 I was classified by British Athletics as a T38/F38 athlete (ie I have a mild co-ordination impairment). This was an important milestone, as I can now take my training forward knowing I can compete in Paralympic events at the highest level.

2021 has been a big year for me. I was invited to take part in a number of races and events, including the English Senior Championships in Bedford and the England Under 17’s Championships in Manchester, where I ran 100m in my PB time of 13.64 seconds. In June 2021 I achieved another PB: 4.20m in the Long Jump at the West Midlands School Trials. Then in September I won GOLD in the Ambulant Girls 100m at the National School Games Finals at Loughborough University. This was a fantastic end to the season.

Athletics is a major part of my life. I train with my coach, Dom, 4 times a week after school at various venues across Birmingham. It’s hard to fit everything in around my school work but I am continually improving my strength and speed. I am totally committed to my sport and my dream is to one day win Paralympic gold!

In order to attend athletics events I need to travel to various parts of the country, sometimes staying overnight. I also need sports clothes and equipment. Hyperscale Group have kindly offered to sponsor me, which is great news! Together we can achieve great things!”

If you or your business would also like to support Maddie your support would be welcomed. Please contact suzannesouthall@hyperscalegroup.com for further information.

Update from Maddie:

The highlight of December for me was competing in the 60m at the Manchester Indoor Open at SportCity, where I posted a new PB of 8.54. I’m currently the fastest T38 of all ages over the distance for 2022 which is a real confidence booster! I was also selected to be part of the England Athletics Paralympic Talent Programme which is really exciting, because selection is based on performance and indicates that I will be expected to compete internationally in the next 6-8 years. As a result I will get additional opportunities to have expert coaching, with some online learning and days/weekends away. 

I have some really challenging events coming up in February: I’m competing in the Birmingham Muller Grand Prix in the 60m on the 19th February (Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham 2022 | British Athletics) and at the UK Indoor Championships on the 26th February (UK Athletics Indoor Championships 2022 | British Athletics).  The field will be very experienced and is likely to be mainly professional athletes, but I’m hoping I can make an impact and get maybe even get a new PB. There are still tickets available at these events if anyone reading this is interested.