Athletics: Matheson does Dame fine with Holmes

Matheson, 17, was among 54 rising stars invited to attend a day of mentoring, education and specialised training with Dame Kelly having been selected following his gold-medal winning effort in the 1500m at last year's Scottish Schools.

And the Ross High School pupil admitted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at Loughborough College, sponsored by Aviva, had increased his determination to one day follow in Dame Kelly's footsteps and win Olympic gold.

"It was a good experience and to listen to Kelly speak was really inspiring," said Matheson. "She went through so much in her career but still came through it all in the end.

"I've learnt that you really need to dedicate yourself to the sport in order to get anything out of it and hopefully, in the future, I can reach the top.

"My training has been going well – I had a fall a couple of weeks ago and hurt my knee – but other than that I'm doing fine."

And Dame Kelly, who was joined in helping Matheson by On Camp with Kelly star Chris Smith, believes the Lasswade AC teenager will reap the rewards of the unique experience as his blossoming career continues.

"Ross definitely has a bright future in athletics and hopefully the mentoring day will help him," said Dame Kelly, who won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

"The London Olympics are only two years away now and that should really inspire all young athletes in Great Britain.

"2012 will probably come a bit too soon for Ross but there is 2016 and beyond to think about.

"I had to wait until I was 34 until I won in Athens so these athletes have a long career ahead of them. I want to make sure they have the best start."

THE Aviva Home Countries Schools Championships form part of the Aviva UKA Academy, giving every child in the UK the chance to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information see: aviva.co.uk/athletics