'They stuck by me' – Balham and Tooting's Tokyo star thanks parents and athletics club

Local athlete Katie Snowden has thanked her parents and local athletics club after being selected for the Tokyo Olympics team.

Snowden, 27, grew up in Balham and has been a member of Herne Hill Harriers since she was 12 years old and on Monday it was confirmed that she will be representing Great Britain in Tokyo this summer.

The 1500m runner had an anxious wait after finishing third at the Olympic Trials meet in Manchester on Saturday (June 26) – just a tenth of a second away from the second place position which would have automatically guaranteed her place.

Nevertheless, her impressive form earlier in the season was enough to give her the call-up – a remarkable achievement considering a long-term injury kept her from performing for the entirety of the 2019 season.

Speaking to Nub News , Snowden spoke of her relief after reaching the goal she had set since she was 12-years-old.

She said: "It was a nervous 48 hours.

"I'm at home at the moment so my parents are literally downstairs so I just ran down and told them.

"They've been superb since I started; driving me all over the place, taking me to training, going abroad.

"Without them, I couldn't have done it and be able to be the person I am today.

"It's great to be able to reward them. They stuck by me when I was injured and were so supportive and helpful, so I'm very grateful.

"I was able to watch at 2012 and was in the stadium for Super Saturday and can remember the atmosphere and the noise. I'm so glad I can finally achieve it."

It isn't just Snowden's parents that were humbly appreciated for her success. Tooting Bec's Athletics Track was the place it all started for her, a local facility which she still trains on to this day. In fact, at the Olympic Trial event on Saturday, she was still representing her Herne Hill Harriers colours.

With the track not being resurfaced since it was built 35 years ago, spikes can no longer be worn on its surface. Snowden reiterated the need for work to be done to ensure that it remains a vital part of the community.

"They have been really supportive,", she said.

"I don't think it's ever been resurfaced. It's really frustrating, I can't wear spikes and that's a big factor. They also can't hold competitions anymore.

"It's slowly been made redundant and the injury risk has increased – it needs resurfacing.

"Would be so disappointing to lose the track as I'm not sure where Herne Hill would base themselves. It's very much a community facility.

"It would be such a loss."

Unfortunately for Snowden, her parents won't be able to join her in Tokyo despite their continuous support. However, that certainly will not take away from the occasion that the Balham runner has been gearing up to for most of her life.

Katie will leave for Tokyo on July 18 and won't have her first race until August 2. She may not be able to have her close family join her in Japan due to coronavirus restrictions, but there will be 30,000 people from Tooting and Balham cheering her on all of the way.

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