Sky Academy Scholar and pole-vaulter Holly Bradshaw Q&A with six months to Rio Olympics

Rollerblading and jumping off walls is probably not the safest preparation for an Olympics six months away.

They are two activities pole-vaulter Holly Bradshaw loves to get stuck into, but she's resisting the temptation as she plots her domination in Brazil. 

Having already produced the qualifying mark, the 24-year-old from Preston should be on the plane but it's crucial she stays fit after a number of niggling injuries.

So how will the Sky Academy Sports Scholar spend the next few months? What other hobbies is she avoiding ahead of the Olympics?

Here are Holly's thoughts.....  

1. WITH SIX MONTHS TO GO, SUM UP YOUR FEELINGS IN THREE WORDS

Excited. Focused. Determined.

2. WHO IS YOUR OLYMPIC HERO AND WHY?

I started focusing on pole vault in October 2008, straight after the Beijing Olympics where I watched many British athletes competing and doing well.

I wasn't inspired by one performance in particular, I was just inspired by all of it. Watching everyone competing for their country and being in the big stadium looked amazing and that's when I knew I wanted to try to do it for myself. 

3. WHAT DOES THE OLYMPICS TRULY MEAN TO YOU?

It means the world. Just to be at an Olympics is a massive honour. Representing your county at the highest possible level is such a privilege. To be at my second Olympics would be amazing.

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION?

Utter commitment to your sport. Displaying the right attitude at all times whether at training or at home. An Olympic champion does all the right things it takes to become the ultimate champion. 

5. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS YOU WILL PACK FOR BRAZIL?

My poles, glue and my coach Scott Simpson, of course.

6. THERE ARE AROUND 268,000 MINUTES BEFORE RIO. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOU IN THAT TIME?

Staying healthy and injury free.

Enjoying every minute and making sure I'm having fun along the way. It's such a privilege to get the chance to be at an Olympics so you need to make sure you are enjoying yourself and not getting beat down with all the pressure and expectation.

Making sure every minute counts. If I'm about to do something that isn't going to help my in my preparations for Rio then I just don't do it. It stops me doing anything stupid - which I'm partial to.

I love playing tennis, I love rollerblading (I'm not allowed to do it though) and jumping off walls! I just do wild stuff like that without thinking!

7. HOW DO YOU TRY TO STAY CALM WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE OLYMPICS?

I just stay focused on what I need to do and not think too much about the Olympics. You just need to try to see it as any other competition as getting worked up about it can be so detrimental.

I focus on a day at a time - what training I have to do, what I need to focus on during the session, making sure I'm doing everything right away from the track,

That way I know I'm doing everything I can and won't have any regrets.

WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS..............

JAN 16 - MARCH 5: Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, Australia

FEB 3-5: Jack Bateson, Bocskai tournament in Hungary

FEB 3: Mark English, racing in Dusseldorf 

FEB 4: Rio Olympics - 6 months to go

FEB 6-7: Elise Christie, World Cup in Dresden

FEB 13-19: Quillan Isidore, training camp in Zolder, Belgium