Second generation Sale pole vault star seeking to replicate father's success

Pole vaulting is a family affair for Sophie Ashurst and she has set her sights on building on her father’s legacy after being selected 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.

She is also a former European champion at youth level, topping the podium at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Estonia a year prior.

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 being 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