A TRIO of south Essex runners were selected by Dame Kelly Holmes to take part in a mentoring programme held by the double Olympic champion herself.

Basildon AC’s Gemma Kersey and Kaylee Dodd plus Rayleigh’s Sophie Riches attended the “Future Stars with Kelly” education day at Loughborough College.

Holmes, who won gold in the 800m and 1,500m at the Athens Olympics in 2004, said: “I wanted to pass on my knowledge and expertise to everyone who has the same aspiration as me, which is to be the best they can be.

“I hope it helped Gemma, Kaylee and Sophie.”

All three girls had outstanding summers on the track this year.

Eighteen-year-old Kersey, who is coached by former London Marathon winner Eammon Martin, was a bronze medallist in the senior girls 1,500m at the English Schools Championships in July.

Fifteen-year-old Dodd won the gold medal in the junior girls 800m at the English Schools, while Riches, also 15, won the gold medal in the junior girls 1500m at the same event.

All three enjoyed meeting Holmes.

“I found it very inspiring and Kelly showed the reality of what it takes to get to the top,” said Kersey.

“She was very helpful and solved some of the issues I have in my life, so I found the day very worthwhile.”

Dodd echoed those sentiments and is now also even more determined to succeed in the sport.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Dodd.

“Learning about drug testing and health and fitness was interesting and, in some parts, quite intense.

“Kelly inspires many athletes and definitely inspired me, even helping me with an issue I had about school homework and how to cope.”

Riches, who attends FitzWimac School, added: “Kelly is very inspirational and she shows that with hard work, commitment and determination you can achieve your biggest goal.”