Hannah Segrave, a Milligan senior and runner, competed in the British Olympic Trials this summer.

 

The best of Britain gathered in Birmingham from June 24-26 to compete for the crown of British champion and secure a place in the Olympic Games in Rio. Over 600 athletes competed, one of them being Segrave.

 

“This was the first time my parents got to watch me compete in several years,” said Segrave, who calls Middlesborough, England home.

 

Segrave explains her experiences at the trials as “slightly intimidating” given that it was such a big stage with top class competitors. She felt at ease, however, since the sport is so familiar to her.

 

Segrave has been running since she was 11. Her grandfather, a former marathon runner, was a big motivation for her along with her love for the competition.

 

“I’ve found what I’m good at,” said Segrave, “and I love watching my time drop.”

 

At the trials, Segrave competed in the 800 meter race which required a qualifying time of 2:09:00. She finished in 2:04:00 which left her at fourth place in her heat and unable to go on to the finals.

 

While she may not have made it to the Olympics, Segrave experienced an opportunity of a lifetime.

 

“I left happy that I got the opportunity to compete amongst the best in Britain,” she said.

 

When asked about her goals, Segrave was adamant that the completion of her education is a priority, along with placing in the top three at the NAIA cross country nationals to end her senior season.

 

'The 2020 Olympics are a long shot but I hope to make it," she added.