British hammer thrower goes from Aberdeen housing scheme to Princeton College
Angela McAuslan-Kelly bridged the hole between rising up in an Aberdeen housing scheme and the hallowed halls of certainly one of America’s most prestigious instructional institutions.
How the hammer thrower went from Torry to Princeton College is a narrative begging to be instructed.
McAuslan-Kelly did so with expertise, willpower and the sort of endurance which is invaluable in athletics.
Now the GB under-20 worldwide – who competed on the World Beneath-20 Championships in Colombia final summer time – is taking part in the ‘lengthy sport’ once more as she targets at some point throwing within the very highest ranges of athletics.
And the story of her rise to prominence on a scholarship at Princeton College is being instructed in an excellent new quick documentary by (Aberdeen-based) Urbane Media for scottishathletics.
“I grew up in Torry, Aberdeen within the North East of Scotland,’ stated Angela, within the video ‘From Torry to Princeton’ about her athletics journey and shifting to the Ivy League faculty in New Jersey.
“There are stereotypes about what Torry is like, it’s a decrease socio-economic place. I used to be determined to get out and transfer someplace else, as a result of I simply wanna see the world like there’s a lot else on the market.
“However I by no means in 1,000,000 years thought I’d find yourself in America.”
Angela McAuslan-Kelly (Princeton Observe & Subject)
That’s what occurred, nonetheless with parental assist from as Angela progressed as a younger thrower at Aberdeen AAC after which Scotland and GB and NI age group groups.
“I began once I was about eight years outdated as a result of my mum thought I had an excessive amount of power,’ she added.
“I began hammer throwing in March and by August I used to be the British age group champion as a result of I simply went out day-after-day and practiced for a number of hours.
“I’ve had a great upbringing, I wouldn’t say my dad and mom have the most important revenue, however they work laborious to provide me a whole lot of alternatives, I’m very grateful for that. I by no means anticipated to have the ability to go to America, I by no means thought I used to be a ok athlete.
Angela McAuslan-Kelly (Princeton Observe & Subject)
“Then at one stage I acquired this electronic mail from Princeton. It was the primary electronic mail I from any US College.
“My dad instructed me to not get over-excited as a result of I hadn’t received my Larger grades again but, and I used to be fairly nervous about that. So, I simply thought, ‘that is actually cool, I’d actually prefer it to work out’.
“I received my Larger grades again and it was 5 band one As after which I threw a 5 metre PB at Scottish Champs to my first Scottish gold. And I believed: ‘Oh wow, possibly, possibly this can occur’.
Inside a few weeks, McAuslan-Kelly had been invited for a recce go to to Princeton and now she is there completely on an athletics scholarship.
“Everybody’s very nice and I actually get pleasure from dwelling on a campus the place every part is actually shut. I attempt to get all my lessons scheduled for the morning so I’ve my afternoon free for follow.
“Usually, once we’re in season, we throw 5 instances per week. We elevate three or 4 instances per week, and after that, I’ll go have dinner with my associates, after which I’ll simply return to my room and I’ll both go work a library shift or I’ll do my homework.
“When individuals consider a sports activities scholarship, their thoughts simply goes to being a great athlete. However you additionally need to work tirelessly at school to get good grades as a result of there’s nonetheless steep lecturers requirements you’ve received to fulfill to have the ability to go to America.
“I’ve had unimaginable assist from my household. They spend a lot of their time doing issues to assist me get foot ahead in life. They labored laborious to take me competitions. They got here with me to South America in Peru to assist me for the World Junior Championships.”
Angela McAuslan-Kelly (Bobby Gavin)
Fuelling the younger hammer thrower’s journey is a drive to be the most effective athlete she will be. And McAuslan-Kelly has no qualms about aiming excessive.
“I do that sport as a result of I need to be the most effective at it,” she stated.
“And, to me, success sooner or later would imply, , going to World Champs and/or the Olympics. I’ve had so many different experiences from sport, I’ve made associates for all times. Don’t be embarrassed about aiming excessive, as a result of I used to assume it’d be foolish if I stated, ‘Oh, I need to be Scottish champion, I need to be British champion’ as a result of I simply felt I didn’t have what it takes. Though I used to be working actually laborious.
“It simply takes time and also you simply need to preserve pushing for what you need. If you wish to be champion, it would take ten years, however ultimately you may get there. Even when it’s a small probability, simply preserve going and check out. Have some perception in your self.”
Coaching laborious is a way of life alternative for therefore many aspiring athletes however McAuslan-Kelly thinks everybody and anybody ought to think about how being lively can profit their psychological well being.
“Whether or not you’re doing it for a aggressive motive or for leisure, even for those who don’t need to compete in a sport, I believe it’s so good on your psychological well being to maintain match or go to the fitness center recurrently,” stated McAuslan-Kelly.
“For those who actually need one thing you simply need to preserve pushing it. I by no means thought I’d make it this far however I didn’t need to give up.
“For those who’re anxious about moving into sport and apprehensive how individuals will see you, don’t fear about it. Individuals are worrying about themselves greater than they’re worrying about you.
“My recommendation is: be sure you’re pleased and having fun with what you’re doing.’
For McAuslan-Kelly that merely means: stick with it throwing.
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