Local girl Chloe is on the run

Eighteen year old Chloe, who recently completed her A Levels at Friends’ School, has been running competitively since her first year in school, after the local girl followed in her father’s footsteps and took up track.

Chloe, a member of Lagan Valley Athletics Club, can certainly give anyone a run for their money with personal bests in the 100m and 200m of 12.24 and 25.27 respectively.

Speaking about her love of sport, Chloe said: “I started running in first year, my dad used to do it, so that got me involved.”

Chloe, who has been training with Melanie Browning for the past few months, recently enjoyed success at the Northern Ireland Senior Championships, where she won the 100 and 200 metres.

“This year was one of the best turnouts,” Chloe explained. “They were held at the Ulster Forum over the Jubilee weekend so I thought there might not be a lot of people there, but it was really busy, which is great.”

Chloe will now await the results of her PE, Biology and French A Levels this summer, with the local girl hoping to study Physiotherapy at Jordanstown.

Whilst competing at the Olympics may be a dream for the local girl, she was delighted to see the Olympic Flame in the city.

“It’s really cool the Olympics are coming here. I did go to see the torch when it was in Lisburn, which was really great to see.”

As for Chloe’s love of running, what inspires her to take to the track?

“It’s kind of all on yourself,” Chloe said. “You’re not going to let anyone else down. Being in a team sport, it’s nice to have a team around you, but with running it is a reward you can only get by knowing you’ve done it yourself.”

As for Chloe’s home city, what can Lisburn offer those with sporty tendencies?

“Lisburn has lots of sports clubs, there is a lot on offer. Even at the LeisurePlex there are classes like Zumba which are good for anyone to get fit.”