My whole life has really revolved around sports and fitness, I guess this was because my parents were sporty. As a kid I tried anything and everything and joined every club I could in school. In my early teens I focused on Netball and Athletics. I represented Rochdale in both sports and after gaining England Netball Trials I then had to give up Netball to focus on Athletics. I then moved to compete with Sale Harriers Manchester. 

I studied Sports Science at Leeds Metropolitan University and achieved a 2:1 BSc Honors Degree and I went on to be a Secondary School P.E teacher. 

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During my teens I competed for Rochdale and Greater Manchester in both Netball and Athletics. I had England trials in Netball and was ranked number one in the UK for a while in the High Jump. In my early 20’s I continued in both sports and represented Leeds Metropolitan University, although by this point Netball was more for fun. In 2002 at the British University Championships I came 4th in the Heptathlon which was 1st out of the North of England competitors.

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After this the highlight of my Athletics career was being selected for the England Under 23 Heptathlon squad and my performances lead to me being selected for the Great Britain.

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I was lucky enough to receive funding and sponsorship during my sporting career but I couldn’t have done it without the support of my parents who took me training every night and away at weekends up and down the U.K for competitions. I can never thank them enough for giving me every opportunity to succeed.

Since retiring from competitive Sport I have focused on challenges such as Tough Mudder (which I have completed twice) and Strength training which has been my focus for the past few years. I still play Netball and enjoy being active as a whole. I have even tried Pole Fitness and Trapeze! Currently giving Golf my best shot and hoping to improve a lot in the next year! All whilst becoming a lifestyle blogger, Danielle Parkinson x

N for Needs

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