Our alumni continue to achieve outstanding sporting success, and we’re proud to celebrate another remarkable achievement. A huge congratulations to Lucy Jones (OLCS 2017) who has claimed the English National Cross Country Title.
- Congratulations on winning the English National Cross Country title. What was it like crossing the finish line and realising you’d won? It was brilliant, I felt so emotional as I had won the title as a U/15 and hadn’t won it again until this year at 27! It’s one of the most prestigious titles that you can win as a senior and I dreamt of winning it again, so to secure gold was amazing.
- What was your goal going into the race – were you hoping to take the win? I knew I was in shape to win, but of course many things can happen on the day. I just wanted to focus on executing my race plan to perfection and hoped that it would be enough to bring home the title and it did!
- How did you feel during the race? What were your tactics and what was going through your mind? My plan was to sit in and stay pretty quiet for the first half. I felt great, at about halfway we had reduced the lead pack to the three of us. At this point I knew I was in a really good spot and that I was in a really great position to win should either of the other girls make a push for the finish. It ended up being myself who pushed first and the move paid off which was great.
- When did your passion for running begin? – At about 9/10 years old, I started running the primary school XC races and these ignited my passion for racing. I also just happened to be good at it which was a huge bonus!
- What does a typical training week look like for you when preparing for a major championship? My weeks are structured the same week-on-week. On a Monday and Wednesday I run easy somewhere between 8-10miles and spend 1-2hrs in the gym. On Tuesdays I session at the track, Thursdays on a grassy loop and Saturday I am either training or the track or racing! I will often also run a second time in the evening on session days. Friday is my rest day, and I really enjoy those.
- What are your goals for the rest of the season and what’s next for you after this national title? The last 12-months has been a huge breakthrough year for me, so I am mostly focussed on consistent training and having as much fun as possible. I have been longlisted for the European Championships and Commonwealth Games, so will be hoping to make either or both of those teams, but mostly just really enjoying the journey.
Your time at OLCS
- Do you have any standout memories from your time at school? Yes, I had such a positive experience at OLCS. We were so nurtured and guided into being very happy, confident and kind adults that I look back and believe that my experience as a whole was very special. I had some brilliant teachers and to this day look back on my experience really fondly.
- Did you time at OLCS help shape your running journey? 100%, I was given the time and space outside of school to pursue my dream and always heavily encouraged.
- What advice would you give current students or alumni who want to pursue sport alongside their studies or careers? Go for it. Every moment that you spend enjoying your sport and learning is a moment well spent – there is nothing to lose and so much to gain from a life spent pursuing something as fulfilling as sport. In school, I wasn’t the most talented but I was curious, determined and I absolutely loved it, and I have carried those traits with me throughout my career. There was a decade between when I made my first England team, until I made my second so I truly believe that commitment and perseverance can help you get anywhere and above all – have fun!
