What did you enjoy most enjoy about your time at Sidcot? 

I would have to say the wonderful sense of friendship and camaraderie everyone had for each other. The staff and pupils felt like a close family network and the support I received during my time at the school was wonderful. 

What were your favourite classes?

I would have to say PE (no surprises there!) I particularly loved Wednesday afternoons when I got to spend my time doing sports other than just running. I absolutely loved being able to use the lovely swimming pool and getting out of the grass fields to play hockey was brilliant fun and gave me a good all round fitness that helped my running. 

Which lessons were you less keen on?

In all honesty I enjoyed all of my lessons, I was extremely lucky to have such brilliant teachers who helped me in every way they could even to the extent of driving me back early from a biology field trip in North Wales so I could make a cross country race the following day! 

What/who inspired you to follow a career in sport?

I was very fortunate to be invited to a weekend of athletics in Bristol when I was 14. The event was organised by Bristol Athletic Club and they had invited one of their members British Athlete, Jo Pavey, to give a talk to all the young athletes. At the time I was a county level badminton player but I was so inspired by her words and experiences that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. It was quite fitting that in 2008 we were both representing Team GB in the 10,000m at the Beijing Olympics. 

How did your time at Sidcot prepare you for your career? 

When I first came to Sidcot I was very shy and didn't have a lot of confidence speaking in public. The teachers were fantastic and encouraged me to speak up without fear of derision or negative criticism and I became very confident in expressing myself clearly and with conviction. This was incredibly valuable to me as I went on to attend many press conferences and media interviews on live television as an International Athlete. 

What achievements are you most proud of?

I would have to say representing my country on the world stage on the Track, Road and Cross Country on multiple occasions. Representing Team GB at the Olympics in 2008 is probably the highlight of my career and getting to meet her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a reception for Olympians is something I will treasure forever.