SSE Ambassador Jade Jones has revealed her mentor Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson gets more nervous than she does before a big race.
Wheelchair racer Jade, 18, was discovered by Baroness Tanni when she was just 12, and since then has remained firmly under her wing with her husband Dr Ian Thompson also Jade’s coach.
Baroness Tanni, a former star of the wheelchair racing world, has won 16 Paralympic medals – including 11 gold and four silver – but still struggles with the run up to a race.
Jade said: “She's been there and done it all so she can pass on all the knowledge to me and it helps. It's great to have Tanni and her support.
“What's funny though is that she gets more nervous before my races than I do. Ian's the more chilled out one.”
SSE is a proud sponsor of Jade, Team England and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Jade is part of a line-up of SSE ambassadors, led by Sir Chris Hoy, who are flying the flag for their nation and inspiring other youngsters to follow in their footsteps.
She’s joined SSE in urging fans to show their support by tweeting #GoEngland, #GoScotland, #GoWales or #GoNI in the run up to the Games.
SSE will celebrate the support by doubling its SSE Next Generation programme, providing financial assitance, training and mentoring to help 100 young athletes go for glory.
Jade says it’s vital young athletes get this backing from earlier on in their career – Baroness Tanni spotted at her school sports day in Middlesbrough and has mentored her ever since.
Now she’s ready for her first taste of Commonwealth games action Glasgow 2014 where Jade hopes to compete in the T54 200m wheelchair event.
She said: “I remember I was doing the London Marathon for the first time this year and I was so nervous because I had never done it before.
“I got a phone call from Tanni. She phoned me to say enjoy it and don't be nervous. It was really great.
“She's been there and done it all so she's got advice for all occasions. It’s really great to have her.
“I have been to a few talent days and met children who want to get into the sport.
“When I was in school I didn't even know it existed, so it's great to see the profile rising.”