Olympian Jonathan Edwards takes on mentor role

Triple jump world record holder and TASS Ambassador Jonathan Edwards is offering his personal support to scores of talented athletes in a new mentoring role.

TASS scholars are being given the unique opportunity to contact the former Olympic champion directly with any questions or concerns about their sporting career.

The athletes – who currently benefit from TASS services including strength and conditioning, psychology, physiotherapy and lifestyle, as well as access to a medical scheme – will be able to call on Edwards’ extensive experience.

Having studied Physics at Durham University whilst in the early stages of his athletics career and competing in the World University Games in Zagreb in his final year, Edwards understands the challenges of life as a student-athlete. He explained:

“A successful sporting career encompasses many factors, but one of the things I always found most helpful during my early athletics years was being able to learn from older and more experienced athletes who had ‘been there and done it’.

For me it was really beneficial to ask them how they achieved their success and dealt with the rollercoaster ride of emotions that comes with elite sporting performance.”

Edwards hopes that his mentorship will provide valuable guidance to the next generation of sporting talent and prove that with the right balance of sport and education, athletes can reach their potential.

Guy Taylor, TASS Director, said: “We’re very excited to have Jonathan Edwards on board as an athlete mentor. Its not often you’re offered the chance to go to a former Olympic gold medalist for advice so we hope the talented young athletes will seize this amazing opportunity with both hands.”

Current athletes have been contacted by the Olympian with an invitation to connect and he will now work closely with the TASS team to help support the youngsters wherever possible.