Pole vaulter Holly Bleasdale insists she is reaping the benefits of almost a year out of competition and is ready to banish her World Championship demons in Beijing this summer.
Bleasdale hasn’t taken to the runway in anger since the World Indoor Championships in Poland in March, where she failed to get on the podium in finishing ninth.
The 23-year-old opted to take a rest from competition during a busy year that saw the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the European Championships in Zurich both on the calendar.
Bleasdale stands by her decision and is adamant, fully fit and healthy, she can perform at the World Championships having failed to record a height on debut in Daegu in 2011.
“It appears now more than ever what a good decision it was. I’m fit, healthy and I’m getting quicker and stronger. I’m building some really good fitness ahead of what is going to be a really important year for me,” she said.
“The main aim is to stay fit and healthy, but I think we’ve got that nailed down now. I’ve struggled with one injury that had been lingering, but that’s out of my head.
“I’m looking to regain fitness. I want to be successful at the Beijing World Championships. At previous worlds, I’ve either not been there or underperformed, so doing well there is my major target, apart from staying fit and well.”
© Sportsbeat 2014