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Two young athletes ready for National Junior Athletics Championships

Get to know two athletes who will be in action this weekend at the National Junior Athletics Championships.

Sam Walkington in a wheelchair race.

Freya, 13, and Sam, 16, are both going to be in action at this year’s National Junior Athletics Championships. The two-day event, supported by People’s Partnership, starts tomorrow with more than 140 junior athletes heading to Coventry Athletics Track. Organisers of the annual event ensure that there is something for juniors with every impairment to take part in.

Freya will be competing in the 100m, Discus and Javelin. Sam, who is part of Weir Archer Academy, will feature in the 100m, 400m and 800m. We asked them both some quickfire questions ahead of this weekend’s Championships.

How did you first get into athletics?

Freya: My sister also does athletics and I used to watch all of her competitions and enjoyed watching so I wanted to try it for myself.

Sam: I first got into athletics after visiting the National Paralympics Day in London 2013 and feeling inspired after meeting several athletes including David Weir. I then went on to join The Weir Archer Academy that same year, when I was 6 years old, and have continued with wheelchair racing ever since. 

You’ve competed at the National Junior Athletics Championships before. What do you enjoy about the event?

Freya:  I enjoyed the events I did as I got to choose these, and due to the limitations of numbers in club competitions I don't always get to do these though them in YDL

Sam: I really enjoy the atmosphere and meeting familiar faces and new people too. There are some very talented athletes that go to the event and it's always good to watch them compete. 

What is your greatest achievement?

Freya:  Winning my three gold medals at the National Junior Athletics competition last year.

Freya Mason holds Activity Alliance medals between her teeth.

Sam: Probably winning the London Mini Marathon in April this year in my age group and classification (T34). It wasn't my best or fastest performance but what made it important was that it was the first year T33/T34 athletes were recognised in this race, and we therefore managed to get on the podium.

What do you enjoy outside of sport?

Freya: Dancing, swimming and lifeguarding and cooking cakes.

Sam: Gaming! I'm a big PlayStation fan.

What are your goals for the future?

Freya: To be an athlete if I’m good enough, or a beautician.

Sam: To do well at college, go to university, and maybe become a coach or personal trainer one day.

What are your hopes for this year’s National Junior Athletics Championships?

Freya: I hope to win all my events for my category and get new PBs in the progress!

Sam: To be honest I've missed a fair bit of training due to GCSEs, so for me it will be good to just try and get some PB's. Also, I'm hoping it doesn't rain - it rained a lot last year!

This year’s event is supported by People’s Partnership, which provides The People’s Pension to six million workers in the UK, ensuring Activity Alliance can deliver a fantastic two-day event.

View and download the Championships track and field programmes.