ATHLETICS: BOLTON’S Oriel Hardman enjoyed a dream masterclass with double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes as part of her preparations for this year’s Aviva English Schools Track and Field Championships.

Hardman, 17, was among 54 rising athletes invited to attend a day of mentoring, education and specialised training with Dame Kelly having been selected following her appearance at last year’s World Youth Championships in Italy.

And Turton High School pupil Hardman admitted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at Loughborough College, sponsored by Aviva, had increased her determination to one day follow in Dame Kelly’s footsteps and win Olympic gold.

“It was a superb day – Dame Kelly was fantastic and it was great to get some advice from her,” said Hardman – who was joined by her mother Susan in Loughborough.

“She said that if we all work hard the rewards will come in the end – you just have to be patient.

“The Olympics are a dream of mine – every athlete wants to reach the top – but I’ll just work hard and see what happens. I am having an operation on my nose after the English Schools to help me breathe better – I suffer from asthma and have a lot of allergies so that should help me.”

“Oriel definitely has a bright future in athletics and hopefully the mentoring day will help her,” said Dame Kelly, who won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

“2012 will probably come a bit too soon for Oriel but there is 2016 and beyond to think about.

The Aviva Home Countries Schools Championships form part of the Aviva UKA Academy, giving every child in the UK the chance to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information visit aviva.co.uk/athletics