Initially participating in hurdles, high jump, and other events, Holly discovered her passion for pole vaulting at age 17. She attended try-out sessions and decided to continue with the sport. Her decision was influenced by her experiences in netball, football, and gymnastics, but she found pole vaulting to be her strongest sport.

Training and Coaching

Holly trains under the guidance of coach Scott Simpson since 2013. Her training regime includes yoga and gymnastics to enhance her performance. She represents Blackburn Harriers and Loughborough University in competitions.

Injuries and Comebacks

Holly's career has been marked by several injuries. She underwent surgeries from 2014 to 2017 and missed significant events like the 2014 Commonwealth Games and European Championships. Despite these setbacks, she made a strong comeback at the Welsh national championships in July 2015 after a 16-month hiatus.

Mental Approach and Body Image

After finishing sixth at the 2017 World Championships, Holly changed her mental approach to competition. She now focuses on enjoying the sport rather than just winning. Holly has also faced criticism regarding her body image but aims to inspire younger athletes by emphasising performance over appearance.

Academic Pursuits

Holly values education alongside her athletic career. She holds a degree in Sports Science from Manchester Metropolitan University and began studying for a master's degree in sports psychology at Loughborough University in 2019.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Holly has expressed interest in becoming a psychology researcher and starting a family after retiring from competition. While she considered the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as potentially her last, she has not ruled out continuing until the Paris 2024 Games.

Holly Bradshaw's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. Her story continues to inspire many in the field of athletics.