Danielle Shaw is our 13th Athlete to speak to us about making the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships Team. Members of the team will compete in Colombia, from July 15th to 19th 2015.
How did you get involved in Athletics?
My older sister joined with Ringwood Little Athletics and I used to love going to watch every weekend, I even joined in with the long jump. When I was 8 years old I decided that I wanted to join! That’s when my coach, Peter Benifer asked me to come train with him.
When you first heard that you made the team, what was your initial reaction?
When I got the call (at school) it was a bit of a sigh of relief, as my nationals didn’t really go to plan, and I wasn’t quite sure I was going to make the team! But as soon as I was told I had made it I’m pretty sure I started jumping up and down with excitement!
Are you doing anything differently in preparation for this competition?
I haven’t really changed anything apart from an extra training day, where I have focused on the more technical side of things.
What are you most looking forward to about the trip to Colombia?
Apart from competing, I’m really looking forward to experiencing something new! I’ve never been overseas before so seeing a country that is far different to Australia is going to be amazing! Meeting new friends, from other countries, and becoming closer with my team mates is something else that I’m looking forward to!
Who has been your biggest inspiration in this sport?
Michelle Jenneke!! Many people have told me that we are very similar, and hopefully I will be able to follow her path. I love Michelle’s approach to competition, she’s one of the happiest athletes I’ve seen and she always looks like she’s just enjoying the moment! Michelle and her family are also very encouraging as they always make the effort to come up to me at competitions and congratulate me, or be there to give some words of encouragement when I have a bad race!
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become a professional Athlete?
Make sure you enjoy what you do, there’s no point doing something you don’t love doing. Also, be prepared to work hard, good results don’t come easy!
