Hannah Seager

Sports Award

Age:

24

Biography

Hannah is 20 years old and another one of Leicestershire's growing number of young athletes' who want to be the best they can be despite whatever obstacles are put in the way. She currently competes in middle distance events, particularly 3k on the track, cross country and road running, competing for both Charnwood athletics club and the University of Birmingham.

Hannah is now in her 2nd year studying law at the University of Birmingham and is regularly training with the University's athletics and cross-country team. After a successful track season she is keen to continue that progression throughout cross-country season with the help of her coaches.

JHMT's Support

Hannah's passion is running which was evident from the moment she took up her first ever primary school cross country in year 2. At 10 years old, Hanna joined Charnwood Athletic Club where both her parents had been members of previously.

During a short space of time Hanna took part in numerous cross country and track races and regularly was placed in the top three. At the start of the 2014 cross country season, Hannah came under the coaching wing of Roy and made an instant impact by winning the secondary schools cross country league, followed by another series of top finishes resulting a 3rd place in the National English Championships. The top 8 finishers automatically go forward to represent England at international level.

This was another key milestone for Hanna as she represented her country and finished 8th v Ireland and proudly gained her first England vest. In 2015, Hannah was to face another challenge, an athlete's worst nightmare - injury, having suffered shin splints which put her out of action for 9 months.

The good news is Hannah began her comeback in 2016, free from shin splints and during the summer started steeple chase training as a way of getting stronger. This road to a fully recovery aided by lots of hard work and a fierce determination to overcome any setbacks has recently paid dividends having achieved the qualifying time for nationals and contributing to a great team performance in the Midlands Cross Country Relays, gaining the 3rd fastest leg of the day.

Hannah said: ' Getting this grant would allow me to achieve my aim of getting back into the top 10 at nationals as I would be able to purchase new footwear and thermal base layer clothing which would limit the chance of me getting injured which would mean I could have my solid winter training ready for Midlands and Nationals in the new year, as we train outside in the mornings and evening.'

Inspire Project lead Simon Taylor said: ' This award helps a promising young athlete to make the next step in fulfilling her undoubted potential which is at the heart of what the award scheme is about.