BMC Mentoring scheme
The BMC mentoring scheme connects developing athletes with older athletes who have successfully made the transition to run internationally at a senior level. The mentors are here to talk and share experiences, discuss concerns or worries and be a source of guidance. Training, racing, championship racing, social media, life balance, university choices, coaching, injury/illness or anything else. It is true there is no silly questions, the likelihood is we as mentors had the same questions at your age! Get in touch if we can help and support you.
Our BMC mentors include Laura Weightman, Chris O’Hare, Pippa Woolven, Lynsey Sharp, and Kerry O’Flaherty
Send us an email with some details of your questions/area you might like support around to arrange a chat with one of the mentors
How to apply
Paid up BMC members in the U17 to U23 age group are eligible to apply. Applications can be made by email to BMC Mentor Scheme.Please include your name, age, location, and reason for seeking a mentor. (This will help us match you with a mentor who may have similar experiences, e.g. Considering a US university.)
For further information about the scheme email BMC Mentor Scheme.
Introducing the BMC Mentors
| Name: Lynsey Sharp Event: 800m Club / Region: Edinburgh AC / Scotland Reason for wanting to be involved: Throughout my career I have learnt a great deal from other athletes who have experienced the highs and lows of life as an athlete. I have found it invaluable to gain advice from individuals who have dealt with injuries/the lifestyle and sacrifices needed to fully commit to being an athlete and even simple things such as dealing with travel and being away from home so often. Having been involved in the sport since I was 7, I would love to pass on some of my experience and life lessons to younger athletes to help make their career in the sport as successful and enjoyable as possible. |
 |
 |
Name: Chris O’Hare Event: 1500m Club / Region: Edinburgh AC / Scotland & USA Reason for wanting to be involved: As a young athlete, surrounding yourself with a strong support group is the only way you will be successful. Without countless people who have mentored me briefly and those who have been there for me my whole career, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have achieved so far. Young athletes need to make sure they surround themselves with the best possible team. No athlete can achieve anything without support from at least one person, so my hope for this mentor program is to be there for a young athlete who may not have anybody else to help guide them through the early stages of their career. |
| Name: Laura Weightman Event: 1500m / 5000m Club / Region: Morpeth / North East Reason for wanting to be involved: I have been through many ups and downs in my career to date and have benefited myself from having other older athletes to speak to for advice. I think its important for younger athletes to feel like they have someone they can ask questions no matter how silly they may feel like they are as the chances are I had the same questions when I was the same age. |
 |
 |
Name: Emily Dudgeon Event: 800m Club / Region: Edinburgh AC / Scotland Reason for wanting to be involved: We have no shortage of talented junior athletes and yet there are so many, including myself that find it very difficult to “make it” as a senior athlete. I wanted to get involved in the mentoring programme to provide a resource for younger athletes to learn from the experiences of more experienced athletes who have been through injuries/illnesses/peaks/troughs and challenging times in the sport. |
| Name: Kerry O Flaherty Event: 3000m Steeplechase Club / Region: Windsor, Slough, Eaton and Hounslow / Ireland Reason for wanting to be involved: I was introduced to athletics at the age of 13, 22 years later I became an Olympian. Throughout my career I have learned a lot about the sport, my physical capabilities, mental awareness and how to pick yourself up when you hit those very lows points. This wouldn’t have been possible all by myself. I had a dream but I also had people who believed in me, who gave me advice and who also gave me the encouragement to follow my dreams and become the athlete I wanted to be. I am really excited to become a BMC mentor and help the next generation of athletes who might have the same dreams and aspirations as I did, and to try and help them along the way. |
 |
| Name: Pippa Woolven Event: 3000m Steeplechase Club / Region: Wycombe Reason for wanting to be involved: I’m a former GB international cross-country runner and steeplechaser who has experienced University life both in England (Birmingham University) and America (Florida State). For a couple of those years, I experienced lengthy bouts of fatigue, severe hormonal imbalances, and relative energy deficiency (RED-S). I’d like to help prevent other athletes from developing these issues and share my experience of how to overcome certain challenges.’ |
 |
