Emilia Platt grew up with predominant running figures in her family, and at age 11 she decided to pursue her passion for the sport. 

Her father was a runner and so her talent for the sport was clear to see. She began training with Oldham and Royton Harriers before moving to East Cheshire Harriers where she continues to train. 

The 17-year-old has come a long way since beginning her running journey, collecting various personal best records and making an impression at countless races.

This year alone, Emilia has achieved the course record at Oldham Parkrun as well as becoming the fastest U17 in the UK for the 10k distance after completing the Chester 10k in an outstanding time of 37.16. She has since beaten this remarkable time after running 37.07 at Tatton Park.

These incredible achievements are just a few of the accolades listed on her running CV and this is sure to grow in the future. 

With the cross country season in full swing, Emilia has impressed coaches and runners alike after powering through both the Manchester Arena and the South East Lancashire Cross Country League. 

She currently stands unbeaten in both leagues after winning every single race since the season began. Recently she also won the Greater Manchester Championships meaning she now automatically qualifies for the Inter-Counties event where she will represent Manchester. 

The Ashton Sixth Form student also hopes to compete at English Schools and English Nationals for Manchester too. 

Emilia says for her running is incredible and she loves the ‘social aspects’ as well as the ‘motivation’ she feels from fellow runners. 

“I love how running is an escape from everything that is going on in everyday life. 

“In my future I hope to be the best athlete I can possibly be and make a future out of it,” she says.

Her journey has allowed her to meet some inspirational names in the sport. Emilia has met Eilish McColgan, an athlete who has inspired her hugely. 

“She only started focusing on her career at the age of 15, and to see what she has achieved shows that anything is possible if you work hard enough. She also runs similar distances to me which is a bonus! 

“I’ve also met and raced against Elsie Davies who similarly started focusing on her career when she was a bit older. She gave me some tips and generally inspired me to always train hard,” she says. 

Emilia has undoubtedly shown immense potential to go far in the sport, and says that she wishes to ‘inspire younger children to be able to do what they love’. 

“It’s not just all about competition, it’s about having fun and meeting some of your best friends too.”

With an admirable desire to train and succeed, Emilia has shown the strength of pushing to be the best version of herself, and she is sure to go far in her running career. 

Do you know an inspirational sporting woman in Tameside or Glossop?

Women in Sport is a weekly column which shares the incredible stories of ladies involved in sport across the area. We are always on the lookout for fresh stories to tell. To nominate someone for the column or get involved yourself, please email Katie on katie.catherall@questmedianetwork.co.uk 

You can read last week's column here.

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