Hannah Barnes
Age 15
Location: Towcester
Cycling - track/road
Last August, Towcester talent Hannah Barnes shattered a British record dating back almost 20 years with her ride at the National 10-mile Time Trial Championships. The 15-year-old Sponne School student clocked 22 min 43 sec to secure the Bronze medal in the junior women's field and beat the under-16 juvenile record, set by Danielle Davies way back in 1989, by no less than 40 seconds.
Barnes rides for Pinarello Cycling team. She has been part of the Talent Team since 2007. She is a physically exceptional athlete. Her first full season showed some superb performances against riders in the older age category. She is highly rated by British Cycling as one who could win at World level.
Key Achievements
Winner of the 2008 U16 National Youth Circuit Championships
Winner of the 2008 Isle of Man Junior Tour
Winner of the U16 National Track Championships in the Sprint and Points event
2nd at the 2008 International Tour of Assenin the U18 age groupaims
Aims
To be selected for the Olympic Development programme
To ride for Great Britain
James McDonald
Age 16
Location: Egremont
Rugby League
James, who plays for St Benedict's School and Egremont Rangers, impressed the judges with his ambition and determination to succeed. James is currently a member of the England U16 National preparation squad, as well as the Cumbria squad.
In the long term, James is aiming for a professional contract with one of the Super League clubs in the North West.
Key Achievements
Represented club, county and country.
Training Diary
Monday - 1 hour in the gym - chest
Tuesday - Egremont rugby training - 2 hours
Wednesday - 1 hour in the gym - Shoulders
Thursday - Mainly rest. Sometimes I have a match for Egremont Rangers
Friday - 1 hour in the gym - Biceps (Arms)
Saturday - Rest day
Sunday - Game for Egremont Rangers
What part of training do you love the most?
I enjoy the game situation drills
Your top training tip?
Listen to advice given and use it to improve.
What do you eat and drink?
Pasta, chicken, water, orange juice
Why did you choose you sport? What got you into it?
I was interested from a young age, my family got me interested and meeting new people was great.
Who is you sporting hero and why?
Muhammad Ali because he was the best and very successful.
What is your sporting career goal/dream/aspiration?
To become a top professional rugby league player.
