By Will Castle, Sportsbeat

Pole vaulting is a family affair for Sophie Ashurst and she has set her sights on building on her father’s legacy after selection for a prestigious sporting programme.

Ashurst, 21, is a rising star in British athletics, having captained Team GB at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships, where she finished an admirable sixth in the pole vault.

The Sale prodigy looks on course for track and field stardom, hoping to emulate the success of her father Andy Ashurst, who himself took home pole vault gold at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.

Having trained her up until she left home for Loughborough University, Ashurst cites friendly competition with her father as pivotal in her rise up the ranks.

“Growing up, having my dad there was really useful,” she said. “Especially in lockdown, because I had a training partner.

“That was really great and we still have a bit of family rivalry - I'm vaulting higher than him now, but a few years ago we were the same level.

“It was really inspiring to train with him and vault against him. He's definitely one of my biggest inspirations, so it's been very beneficial.

“I've seen what he's done and although he doesn't coach me anymore, he's still always there for competitions where my coach can't be there. He'll always be there.

“He's still putting in his all to help me, which I'm really grateful for. I definitely want to make him proud.”

Now looking to thrive on the senior stage, Ashurst is hoping to continue to prove her worth in the coming months as she stares down the barrel of the U23 National Championships.

And while dreaming of following in the footsteps of her father by succeeding at the Commonwealth Games, her sights are fully set on qualifying for the LA 2028.

“I’ve got two more competitions including the U23 National Championships then my season is finished,” she said.

“Next year, my biggest goals are the U23 European Championships, which I'm aiming to qualify for, and then the big one in two years time would probably be the Commonwealth Games, which hopefully is still happening.

“My biggest goal would be going to the Olympics in four years time, but I've still got smaller goals to hit first - jump a bit higher, go to Europeans first, make those sorts of teams and then hopefully the Olympics will come.”

Ashurst is one of 50 athletes supported by Pitching In as part of its long-standing partnership with SportsAid, providing crucial financial support as well as offering development opportunities through workshops and visits.

These athletes are Great Britain's brightest sporting prospects. They are nominated to SportsAid by the national governing bodies of more than 60 sports based on set criteria from each.

Having been sponsored since 2021, Ashurst has hailed the backing of SportsAid, which has allowed her to buy her own equipment and embark on crucial training camps.

“I used some of that money to buy a new set of poles,” she said. “That was really helpful as I could take my own poles to competitions and not have to borrow it from my club.

“I wouldn't have ever thought I could get my own set of polls so that was really useful/

“Then this year I spent the money to go on a training camp, which was really beneficial, so it's definitely helped.”

Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more.