Our SPAR ambassador Jenny Meadows is delighted with her bronze medal at the European Championships, saying it has given her great confidence that she is in good shape after her injury, and now she's looking forward to the London Grand Prix this weekend.
However the European bronze medallist has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games and Berlin. Jenny has had an up-and-down season due to her achilles injury and Jenny’s team feel that competing in Berlin or Delhi could be a step too far.
Jenny said: “I’m gutted that I’m not going to be able to compete in Delhi or Berlin but I’ve had a tough season with my achilles and decided not to extend my season and risk aggravating it.”
Unbelievably, Jenny is yet to win a round medal in her professional career, and it makes the prospect of taking a medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 all the more mouth-watering as it’s likely to be Jenny’s last season.
Jenny’s mother, Barbara Meadows, is Jenny’s number one fan and believes that Jenny is making the right decision, but says that her daughter will struggle watching the games.
“Jenny has never been one to sit and watch; she always wants to get involved and compete.”
Barbara still plays a huge part in Jenny’s life; she does Jenny’s washing, cooks her dinner sometimes and ensures she watches Jenny train once a week.
“We’re a very close-knit family, we’re all very proud of Jenny’s achievements and I jump for joy when Jenny wins a medal, whatever colour it is. It’s a dream when she wins gold.
“I remember I used to take Jenny to training every week on public transport, it’s just remarkable how far she has come in the 21 years.”
It’s evident that Barbara is a very proud mother. Jenny’s not sitting down and watching her fellow athletes compete yet, however, she has the Crystal Palace Grand Prix coming up this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to Crystal Palace, there are twelve strong athletes running so it should be a tight race. I’ve been training hard after Barcelona and feel I’m in great shape. Hopefully I can get a time of 1.57 and take a spot on the podium.”
It’s bound to be a tough 800m, but Jenny will be determined to add one more medal to her tally this season. Good luck, Pocket Rocket!