Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes watched with pride as Non Stanford stormed to the women’s world triathlon title in London.
Holmes spotted the sporting potential of the 24-year old nine years ago - though initially she backed her to follow her lead on the athletics track.
Stanford, who represented Great Britain as a junior at the world cross country championships, was mentored by Holmes as part of her ‘On Camp with Kelly’ initiative, which also includes world silver medallist Hannah England among its graduates.
And the double Athens gold medallist also advised Stanford on her switch from athletics - after a frustrating period of injury and illness - to triathlon five years and was in Hyde Park to cheer her to victory.
“Non was a really promising junior athlete but she kept picking up illness and injury, so it seemed the logical thing to try triathlon as she made so much talent and had been cross training on the bike for long periods of time,” said Holmes, a Team GB ambassador and mentor at the London 2012 Olympics.
“It was brilliant to be there in Hyde Park to see Non win the World title, her transition from athletics to triathlon has been quite incredible.
“I’m so happy for Non and her family, all the hard work and sacrifice has paid off and she should be very proud of what she has achieved in a relatively short space of time.
“Qualification for London 2012 came around just a bit too soon for Non but she can look forward to Rio now in three years’ time.”
© Sportsbeat 2013