Tuesday 16 September 2014 16:48, UK
Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi has revealed that 400m runner Christine Ohuruogu has been one of the driving forces behind her decision to pursue a career in athletics.
The Saracens flanker, who announced her international retirement following England’s recent World Cup success, will try her hand at the shot put and the discus in a bid to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
And the native north Londoner says training alongside 2013 Sportswoman of the Year Ohuruogu has given her the belief that she can make the switch to athletics.
“I currently train at Lea Valley Athletics Centre so I see people like Christine Ohuruogu regularly and in all honesty that is what has really inspired me,” Alphonsi told Sky Sports.
“I don’t feel like it’s a massive jump because I have the facilities and the coaches around me to progress so now I just need to throw myself into it and start competing.
“We’ve got some fantastic athletes from north London and there is a growing talent pool coming out of local schools left, right and centre. There are a lot of people who have come from that part of London and excelled highly in the world of athletics so I’d like to think I can be the next one.”
What is going to be key for me in terms of the transition is developing the technique and using my strength and conditioning skills to benefit my ability to throw a discus or a shot put.
Alphonsi believes her competitive nature along with her recent World Cup triumph with England puts her in good stead to make the transition from rugby to track and field.
“I still feel physically fit and mentally tough and I have a good acknowledgement of the skill level required,” she said. “I’ve had 11 years of working really hard to be at the best level I could possibly be.
“I know what it takes in terms of the time, commitment and attention to detail required to become a winner so I feel like I understand what it will take to go on and potentially represent Great Britain at an Olympics.
“What is going to be key for me in terms of the transition is developing the technique and using my strength and conditioning skills to benefit my ability to throw a discus or a shot put.
“I’m not under any illusions though - it’s not going to be easy. The Olympics are only two years away but I’d like to give it a go and see what happens and who knows, in two years’ time I could be wearing a Team GB vest.”
Alphonsi admits it is likely to feel a little odd seeing some of her former rugby team-mates in Rio if she makes the cut as a Team GB athlete.
“I’m so proud that we’ve got 20 fantastic athletes who have got themselves pro contracts and I know they are going to do well and come away with a medal,” she added.
“It would be really strange walking out and seeing my old team-mates representing Great Britain in what is going to be an amazing event.
“But for me it doesn’t matter what sport you’re competing in. The honour of representing your country is such a special thing and you always give everything you possibly can.”
