SSE Next Generation Athletes Lauren Booth and Lauren Bate-Low used a recent SSE customer competition to meet SSE Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy at the London Olympic Velodrome and talk about their careers so far.
Lauren Booth became the British Cycling National Champion in the paracycling 500m TT C1-5 (combined men and women) at Manchester in September, aged just 13, and now she is continuing to utilise the SSE Next Generation programme.
Spending most of her time in the classroom or on a bike, Lauren doesn’t have that much spare time but being part of the SSE Next Generation programme has given her the opportunity to make new friends.
“I like attending the workshops that SSE put on for Next Gen athletes because I can meet people my age who are in a similar position.
“We can talk about sport, training, and competitions and we all help and support each other. It's good to have someone to talk to who is going through the same thing as you.
“I’m very proud to be on the Next Generation programme. Not only do they help with my training and travel costs but they help me be more confident and socialise with other para-athletes.”
Fellow cyclist Lauren Bate-Low reveals her competitive side is the key to her success.
Lauren only took up cycling last year and with just nine months’ experience on the track she has already earned a place on British Cycling’s Olympic Talent Programme.
She finished fifth in the under-16 sprint at the National Youth and Junior Championships in August - despite being just 13 at the time but admits finding losing difficult. However she is developing as an athlete thanks to the support and guidance from her family, coaches and SSE.
Along with financial funding, SSE provide workshops and events with sporting legends to help mentor the teenagers on their sporting journey.
“Once I lost a race and was upset I burst into tears.
“But I attended an SSE Next Generation programme and like today I was lucky enough to meet Sir Chris Hoy and he gave me some really good advice.
“He said it was important to enjoy my sport and any disappointments that come along the way can be used as a positive instead of a negative.”
SSE's Next Generation programme gives vital support to amazing young athletes across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Our Next Generation Athletes aged from 13 to 25, have been identified as potential Commonwealth Games and Olympic medallists of the future. They'll get financial help and mentoring from elite athletes.