Keeping athletics on track “Diss Town Council granted us access to their facility during a very difficult time, when many tracks could not facilitate our request,” said Emma. “They were so friendly, accommodating, helpful and quick to respond. The facility was perfect and just what we needed. Being able to train on the track allowed me to continue progressing my timing, and for my sequencing for technical changes to develop. It made a huge difference to my training and particularly in my build-up to various Originally from the Midlands, Great Britain
competitions. It inevitably allowed me to
and Northern Ireland javelin thrower, Emma
secure 3rd at this year’s British Athletics
Hamplett, moved to Bury St Edmunds in
Championships, 2nd at the English Athletics
2019 to train with her coach, Michael
Championships and 1st place at the
McNeill. All was going well until the
Midland Counties Athletics Championships.
pandemic hit in 2020. With all competitions
I can’t thank them enough.”
stopped and training grounds closed, Emma
Looking ahead, Emma’s next ambition is to
(an U18s British Record Holder and England
make the 2022 Commonwealth Games, due
Commonwealth Youth Games gold medal
to take place in Birmingham. And to keep
winner) was forced to train mostly at home.
throwing into her late 50s. “Taking part in the Birmingham 2022
Towards the end of 2020, England Athletics
Commonwealth Games would be very
announced that elite athletes would be
special,” said Emma. “I grew up in
allowed to restart training. But finding a
Staffordshire so this would be at my home
local sports ground that was open and that
track.”
would accommodate new users proved tricky for Emma and her coach. After trying several venues in and around her local area, Emma contacted Diss Town Council in January this year to see if the athletics track
Diss Sports Ground and skate park are located on Shelfanger Road. The facility is owned by Diss Town Council and
at the Diss Sports Ground was available.
is used by local clubs for football and
After a visit to assess suitability and all the
Playschool. The ground has Diss’ only all-
relevant risk assessments and administration checks, Emma and her coach started to use the track twice a week for
athletics. It’s also home to Merryfields weather floodlit athletics training facility and is available for private hire for sporting and recreational purposes.
training just a few weeks later.
Diss Matters Winter 2021 21
