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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.
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.
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.
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