PHOTOS:
Rhian Homer
Rhian on a training night with Lydia Davies, Matthew Williams and Fraser Watson

 
Rhian Homer is not only a very good 1,5000 metre steeplechaser with Pembrokeshire Harriers but also serves the club well because she is always ready to help coach the younger and less-experienced middle-distance runners in assisting her own mentor Pete Freeman.
 
18 Year old Rhian is in the upper sixth form at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, where she is studying A levels in Welsh, Biology and PE with a view to enrolling at Pembrokeshire College next year and pursuing a degree course in Sport Development.
 

Rhian aspires to coach youngsters

 
“I would love to be involved in the development of sport through Sport Pembrokeshire in County Hall,” said Rhian, “especially with regard to helping those with a disability find a place in some sort of sport or leisure activity.”
 
 
To that end Rhian is already showing an aptitude for encouraging aspiring young athletes with Pembrokeshire Harriers. As Pete Freeman told us,
“Rhian is not only a very committed athlete but is able to encourage and lift others around her.
“We are very lucky to have her, not only as a very talented steeplechaser but as someone who is more than willing to put something back into her sport.”
 

No immediate success

 
Rhian first took part with the Harriers after she took part in the Year Eight section of the Pembrokeshire Schools’ Cross Country at Oakwood, having done well in the qualifier at Ysgol Bro Gwaun.
She came a creditable second over the 2.5 kilometre course and it was then that Mr Freeman invited her to join his middle-distance group at the Harriers, which she did.
 
But there was to be no immediate success because after a few months of training she took part in the girls junior 1,500 metres at a Louise Arthur League event and trailed in last.
It might have deterred some but just served to make Rhian all the more determined – and she started to improve as she competed in the winter cross-country races centred on Builth Wells and Brecon.
“It was a real eye-opener for me because of the large numbers starting each race and the need to get used to all the jostling but I began to manage and reduce my times.
 

Big decision pays dividends

 
Rhian continued to improve and in her second season on the track she reduced her personal best by 20 seconds but she was still rarely standing on the podium and during the closed season she sat down and looked at ways of improving even further.
“I had seen 1,500 metre steeplechase races for women on the television and thought I might have a go,” Rhian told us, “and when I mentioned it to Pete Freeman he was brilliant, as usual, and soon had me working on my hurdling technique and the way to take the water jump every lap.
 
“I had one small race to warm up and then went in the deep end at the Welsh Championships for my age group at Wrexham and I came away with the silver medal. Amazing!
“It was my first season at under 17 level and when I went back the following year to Leckwith Stadium, in Cardiff, I was a lot stronger – and absolutely thrilled when I won the race by 60 metres to win the gold medal! Even more amazing”
 

Rhian shows resilience aplenty

 
Rhian also won the Welsh Schools’ title on two occasions at Brecon, and in one of them had to call upon her resilience and determination to succeed.
“I was in the lead by 50 metres after a couple of laps,” said Rhian, “when I approached the water jump, the top of which had become very slippery, and I took a real tumble which saw me bang my shin before I dived full length into the icy water.
“I was soaked to the skin, covered in mud and with blood pouring from my leg but no-one had overtaken me so I picked myself up and started running again.
“I made sure I negotiated the water jump with great care on the last lap and when I crossed the line in first place I received the loudest cheer I have ever had,” said Rhian with a chuckle!
 

Hockey and netball missed out as athletics took top spot

 
As well as her track success, Rhian has had three years of cross country running with the West Wales team for her age group against their counterparts from North, East and South Wales. For some time she also enjoyed playing hockey and netball for her school, until the time came when she knew she would have to focus on one sport because of the training needed – and athletics was the clear-cut choice.
 
She trains really hard every week, as well as helping encourage younger athletes.
“We work hard at improving speed and endurance in one session and in the other we vary things, but including running up hills, over sand dunes or the steps near the ‘Bristol Trader’ in Haverfordwest, which is sheer torture but certainly helps build strong legs and stamina!”
 

Unstinting praise for coaches and parents

 
As well as her unstinting praise for Pete Freeman and the other coaches at Pembrokeshire Harriers, Rhian would also mention the huge contribution made by her parents, Bethan and Rob.
“Mum was a useful netball player and dad likes football and cricket – and I could not have had better back-up from family because they have given me total support, picked me up  when I needed encouragement, and taken me all over the country to compete. I have been very lucky and would like to thank them for all they have done.”
 
The one person that Rhian omits to mention is herself because although she has been encouraged by others she has played her part by showing total dedication and a willingness to learn.
Pete Freeman describes Rhian Homer as a veritable ‘jewel’ in the Harriers and we could pay her no greater compliment as she continues to fly the Pembrokeshire Flag with so much distinction in her chosen sport!