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Stoke on Trent athlete Emma Jackson has been involved in the sport from a young age, joining the City of Stoke athletics club when she was just 12.

"I think it's important to stay with your local club and help them", she says. "They offer a lot of support for me and the other athletes." Other talents who've come through the club include sprinters Alex and Ashlee Nelson, who both made the Great Britain Squad for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Emma is definitely keen to follow in their footsteps. When I asked what she most liked about athletics, she replied "winning and success". That sounds like the answer of a true gold medalist!

Getting stronger

Emma is making steady progress in the international scene. Her recent performances in the England and European under 23's have shown that she is getting stronger, a must if she hopes to make it to the 2012 games.

Emma and her coach Alan Morris

She does have doubts that she's too young to get into the squad for London 2012, but it is a possibility, considering her progress in the international scene. Her recent performances in the England and European under 23's have shown that she is getting stronger, a must if she hopes to make it to the 2012 games.

Her coach Alan Morris, has been involved in athletics for more than 30 years, and feels Emma has all the attributes needed.

"She's progressing well in both training and competitions. In 2012 she'll be 24 and there's every chance she'll be hitting her best form at that time. If she gets to that sort of stage there's a possibility of an Olympic call-up".

On camp with Kelly

But while that is just a hope at the moment, Emma can call on the help of someone who knows what it's like to win Olympic gold. She's part of the 'On Camp With Kelly' mentoring scheme, set up by Dame Kelly Holmes.

The scheme is designed to help young athletes to stay in sport, with the right guidance and support. Emma was invited to join the scheme three years ago. She gets funding to help her to keep training, and bonuses if she runs certain times.

"I'm glad I got involved with it ('On Camp With Kelly)," says Emma. "To have the double Olympic champion there to say your doing the right things or you should be doing this, she's absolutely brilliant."

Athletics elite

Emma says she was "so proud" to run wearing the Great Britain kit, and have the experience of running in front of a huge crowds. One event she particularly enjoyed was the Aviva London Grand Prix. "Just knowing Usain Bolt was around, it was brilliant!" she laughs.

But to continue to rub shoulders with the athletics elite, Emma knows she needs to get stronger, and to keep up with the 800 metres competition she has to get down to the two minute mark. But it's the thought of pulling on that GB vest in 2012 which is spurring her on.

"It would mean everything to me. It would make all the training in the wind, rain and mud worth it!"