Young heptathlete Chisom Nwafor has reached new heights after securing the English Schools title. 

The 17-year-old from Chiltern Harriers in Buckinghamshire took home the national title from the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in the event which took place over the course of June 30 and July 1.

Nwafor’s victory at the stadium that hosted the athletics at the 2022 Commonwealth Games came a year on from a devastating injury. 

“Winning the English Schools was a big achievement for me,” she said.

“It really helped make sure that my confidence was up there because now I know that I can do this, and I don't have to worry about anything else right now. 

“I had a grade two hamstring tear on my take off leg. I went to Jerusalem for last year’s European U18 Championships and had to pull out after my first event.  

“It was devastating, I was really upset, but you just must think about all the good things you've done before.  

“I spoke with my family, my parents, my coach, and I had different networks telling me it is going to be okay.  

“And it is ok, so now I am glad I listened back then.” 

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Days after her triumph at English Schools, Nwafor was at Aston Clifton Park to cheer on the next generation of budding sport stars at the Bucks and MK School Games. 

The School Games enable children and young people to take part in physical activity and sport in a positive way for them, from confidence building and skill development to competitive opportunities. All activities have young people's voices and positive experiences at their heart.   

Working together, Stoke Park, Leap and SportsAid will create opportunities for young people to achieve their personal best at whatever level they choose to participate in physical activity.   

Nwafor is one of 20 young talented SportsAid athletes who will engage with and inspire pupils across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes during the 2023/2024 academic year. 

She said: “The funding from SportsAid right now is important and is going to help me a lot.  

“As an athlete, you must pay for your accommodation, pay for your kit, the food, the travel, and the hotel, as a heptathlete I have got seven different pairs of shoes. 

“That funding from SportsAid is just really going to help me cover all my expenses across the season, I'm really glad I've got this.” 

Pioneering new partnership enhances opportunities to move and inspires young people to take part in physical activity. Working with Stoke Park, Leap and SportsAid will mobilise 20 young talented athletes to inspire others young people to achieve their personal best.