Olivia aiming to inspire at Superhero Tri

SPORT has had a massive impact on Olivia Breen’s life. The 22-year-old is already preparing for her third Paralympic Games, having medalled at London 2012 and claimed World, European and Commonwealth golds in the years since.

The T38 sprinter and F38 longjumper hopes that by participating in this summer’s Superhero Tri event she can inspire other youngsters to get involved in sport - and sample the same experiences she has enjoyed.

“Sport has given me so many opportunities to travel the world and meet amazing people – you just never know what impact these events can have on a person,” Olivia remarked.

“School wasn’t really my thing when I was younger but when I was five years old I won my first sports day and my parents saw that I was good at running. That changed my life. I went to my local athletics club when I was 13 and absolutely loved it and my parents encouraged me to really get into disability sport.

“I went to an England Talent Day when I was 15, got classified and then ran a good time in April 2012 that put me number one in the UK in the T38 category. A few months later I was competing at the Paralympic Games – what a journey!”

On her inspirations, Olivia continued: “I didn’t know much about Paralympic sport but I really admired Jessica Ennis-Hill. I liked her determination and how focused she was on that day in 2012. All the pressure she had from the press, sponsors and supporters and she delivered.

“I’m hoping at the Superhero Tri we can inspire people in a similar way and make them realise what a difference sport can make to their lives. I hope the families see that as well and see what it can do for their children.”

August 17 sees the next instalment of the popular Dorney Lake event where participants have three unique challenges to choose from – and three different ways to take part. They can fly solo, unite with family and friends for team relays, or tow their superhero around the course in ‘Sidekick Tris’.

Olivia is team captain for Leonard Cheshire – a charity which supports individuals to live, learn and work as independently as they choose, whatever their ability.

“I’ve never been to the Superhero Tri before but I’m really looking forward to it,” she said. “There are other Paralympians doing it but it’s also a real family day where everyone can join in together and have great fun. It’s so inclusive and getting involved can inspire other people with disabilities and their families to try it too.

“Leonard Cheshire got in touch - I did a carol service with them in December and we got on really well. They initially joined Superhero Tri in 2017 and this year invited me to get involved to help other people have the same opportunities as me through sport and physical activities.”

It promises to be an eventful second half of the year for Olivia, who has the World Championships in her sights following an injury comeback last month.

She remarked: “I had a quad injury but was back in action at Loughborough – that was my first competition since the Commonwealths because I had a knee injury last year. It’s great to be back and, with the Worlds in November, it’s a long season which gives me time to prepare.

“I’ve got that time to work on little things and improve. I’m at the Welsh Championships this month and then the Anniversary Games, so heading back to the Olympic Stadium again which I’m really looking forward to. Fingers-crossed I can qualify for the World Champs, have a good run-in and can get a medal. I’m hoping to do the long jump and the sprint.”

Olivia added: “It will be my third Paralympics next year and I’ve never been to Tokyo. It promises to be a great experience! I’ve got a four-year plan and the Paralympics are always in the back of my mind. As soon as Rio ended I was thinking about the next Games.

“We’ve got a young team and there are some really talented athletes coming through. It reminds me of my London experience – I was only 16 and it brings back those memories when you see the youngsters coming through and improving with every race. “I’ve just got to keep myself healthy and enjoy the moment – I can’t wait.” •