Holmes backs Stevie to succeed (From Northwich Guardian)

Dame Kelly Holmes tips Stevie Stockton to run well at World Championships

2:13pm Thursday 17th March 2011 in Athletics By Andrew Simpson

DOUBLE Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes believes know-how will help Stevie Stockton at this weekend’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

The Crewe-born athlete makes a second appearance in the senior women’s race on the global stage after finishing inside the top 50 runners a year ago.

“I am sure Stevie will have learned a lot from competing in the event last March and will be even more successful this time around,” said Holmes, a mentor to the Vale Royal Athletics Club star since 2008.

Stockton’s was a surprise inclusion in the Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland squad after she finished outside of the qualifying places in the trial earlier this month.

However her form this winter has been consistent, including sixth place at the English championships and runner-up in the British universities competition.

Now 21-year-old heads to southern Spain determined to make an impression in Sunday’s race.

The senior women’s sextet is led by European junior champion Charlotte Purdue, who became the youngest winner at the UK trial in two decades at Birmingham’s Cofton Park.

The 19-year-old leads a 24-strong British team on the flat, fast terrain of Punta Umbria, where the first four athletes to finish score points.

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Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Senior Women Julia Bleasdale (Hillington); Hatti Dean (Hallamshire Harriers); Charlotte Purdue (Aldershot Farnham & District); Gemma Steel (Charnwood AC); Stevie Stockton (Vale Royal AC); Naomi Taschimowitz (Taunton)