Meet the Athlete: Keeleigh Chapman

Coach:

Howard Moscrop 

Age:

28 

Tell me about your Athletics journey?

I originally joined athletics when I started Secondary school. I began as a middle distance runner but have always enjoyed sprinting. However, I found my love for hurdling after jokingly running over some during a practice session at my school, my teacher told me I did a perfect 3 strides, so she signed me up for the sprint hurdles race instead! I’ve now been with the club for 16 years and the majority of that I’ve been training with Howard. For the last few years I’ve also taken on the role of senior ladies track and field team manager, which saw us promoted to division 2 in the SAL 2 years ago.  

My biggest athletics success was probably getting 3rd place in the 80m Hurdles at English schools, closely followed by a 4th place (and a huge PB) at the Bedford English champs for 300mh. I have also been lucky enough to have represented Wales during my time as a sprint hurdler. 

One of my biggest lows was trying to come back to training/competing after a period of illness and injury which happened at the same time I moved away from home for Uni. I wasn’t clicking well with my uni coach’s approach to training and I fell out of love with the sport for a bit. However, I changed coaches in my final year and slowly started seeing results again and eventually felt confident enough to start competing again!

What’s your advice for dealing with the highs and lows of the sport?

My biggest bit of advice is remembering that not everyday or even every week is going to feel like you’re at your best, and it’s normal to have periods where your body needs a bit more rest. 

I’ve found that setting myself a few realistic goals at the start of each year and monitoring my training/progress helps to iron out some of those big peaks and troughs of emotion that come with any sport. Remind yourself how far you’ve come and where you’re heading! 

What are your favourite events?

My favourite events are 400m hurdles and 100m hurdles – but you’ll probably find me doing almost anything at the SAL events! I also love the unofficial event of 200m hurdles – but I’m not sure that counts! 

What do you like about our club or athletics in general?

Swindon Harriers has always felt like a second home for me. Although we’re not as big as some other clubs, this means we all tend to know each other well even between training groups! I’ve made life long friends through the club, some who I’ve grown up with in the club! 

Have you got a specific target that you’re willing to share?

This year I’m taking a bit of a different route and am currently training for my first (and possibly only) ever marathon! I’m doing it to raise money for a charity that’s been invaluable to my family in recent years, so the hurdles have taken a back seat for now. Although, it should boost my stamina ready for more 400mh next year! My other target as a team manager is to support the senior track and field team in the SAL and aim for promotion to the top division! 

What advice would you give your 12 year old self?

I would say, don’t be afraid to give other events a go, because you may never know where your talent lies unless you give it a shot! Enjoy the process – even in training when it’s pouring down – and enjoys the successes even more!