Damaine

Sports massage therapist/ S&C coach

Current sporting discipline

Track and Field, currently training for the European masters championships, where I will compete in the 400m hurdles

How and why did you get into this sport?

Started out in high school as a long and triple jumper. In my final year in high school I then transitioned into a 400m runner when I started university in 2008.

What has been your biggest recent battle with training?

My most recent battle with training is trying to balance raising a family, working and finding the time to train, also sometimes it's hard to get quality sessions in because of time.

If we were to open your diary from the last week, what would it say?

This week was one for the books. I opened up my British Masters Championships with the 400m hurdles, my event. I locked in, attacked every barrier, and crossed the line for gold. That medal meant more than just standing on the podium; it was proof that resilience, recovery and persistence matter just as much as raw talent.

Then came the 200m. I ran my second-quickest time since 2019 in horrible conditions, and while fatigue crept in down the last 50m, I held on for a bronze medal. Not quite the top spot I wanted, but still a big step forward and confirmation that the work is paying off.

Balancing training, recovery, and business is still a daily battle, but these performances gave me clarity; the process is working. I didn't just walk away with medals, I walked away motivated, healthier and more focused on October's European Masters.

This week's win? Knowing I'm still building, still improving, and still hungry.