Sophie Kamlish Medal Success
Young Paralympic athlete, Sophie Kamlish (15), made an incredible debut at the Paralympic World Cup (PWC) at Manchester’s Regional Arena this week.
The Bath schoolgirl was competing in her first ever international competition, in the T42/43/44 100m and 200m events. Despite her inexperience, Sophie achieved an outstanding 3rd (200m) and 4th (100m) place finishes, winning a bronze medal and smashing her personal best times in the process!
The PWC was in the middle of Sophie’s GCSE exams, as she explained, “I’ve missed a biology exam today, but the examiners have taken my previous work into account, so it shouldn’t be a problem”, adding “Anyway, winning a medal is much more fun!”
Despite having to juggle her studies and social life with the intense training required to be an international athlete, Sophie is right on track for future Paralympic success.
In her 100m race, she was a just 0.03 seconds behind third place finisher and Team GB’s number one female sprinter, Stefanie Reid. Afterwards Sophie said, “Stef is really nice and we get on well, but I want to beat her!” She continued, “I didn’t expect to be that close to her today, so it is really motivating”.
Sophie’s prosthetist at Pace, Jamie Gillespie (a former Paralympic sprinter himself), said, “I’m delighted for Sophie because this event was a huge step up for her”. Adding, “What she has achieved, in such a short period of time, is terrific. Less than a year ago, she was running on her everyday prosthesis, now she is up with the world’s best. Fantastic!”
Despite her stunning performances, team selection for the London 2012 Games is uncertain for Sophie. However, she certainly has youth on her side and based on her performances in Manchester, has the potential for a very successful Paralympic career.
After the event, Sophie and her parents kindly met Lauren, another young female amputee whom Pace has been supporting. Lauren’s underwent her amputation was just 4-weeks ago, but as Pace’s Scott Richardson explains, “The girls are at either end of the rehabilitation spectrum, but Lauren and her family found it very beneficial to meet Sophie and her parents”. Finally adding, “With what Sophie has achieved, it’s difficult not to be inspired”.
Everyone at Pace would like to congratulate Sophie on her outstanding results at the PWC.
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