ASPIRING athletes in Solihull are set to gain vital support as part of a sports talent development programme.#
Tommy Jackson, a senior member of the GB judo team who has medalled at all home nation ranking events this year, and artistic swimmer Frankie Klym, who represented Great Britain in the Comen Cup – a competition for youth athletes aged 13-15 years old – in Madeira in May 2025 are being supported by the Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.
It is hoped the scheme will boost Tommy, aged 21, who is currently ranked number five in Great Britain.
And Frankie is hopes the scheme will help her to achieve her dreams of competing at the Olympics.
Frankie said: “My sporting aspirations are to really push myself so I am ready for the Youth Europeans Championships in Luxembourg in June. I will be representing Great Britain and am hoping to finish top 10 in individual figures and top five in duet with my partner.
“I am also working towards the Hungarian Open in July, where I would really like to medal at this competition for individual figures, duet and team. It will take hard work and determination. Once these competitions are completed, I will then be training towards GB Trials in October 2026 for Junior and Senior GB Squads 2026/2027.
“This will be a challenge that I am excited by. Being a part of Everyone Active Sporting Champions Scheme will help me to reach my aspirations and maybe one day reach my dream of competing in the Olympics.”
The scheme gives the next generation of athletes mentoring and guidance from a panel of elite athletes comprising Olympic and Paralympic medallists, world champions and Commonwealth champions.
The scheme’s all-star line-up of top athletes includes Lauren Steadman, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Emma Finucane, Maisie Summers-Newton and Richard Kilty.
These Elite athletes will share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training.
Over the past nine years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, no fewer than 26 Sporting Champions competed, taking home nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals collectively.
Alex Fuoco-Lang, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “The profound impact Sporting Champions has on emerging talent from Solihull each year is always amazing to see, and we are excited to be supporting more athletes than ever on their journey to sporting success.
“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Solihull Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what success stories the scheme will bring this year.”
