Professional athlete Samson Oni is busy training for the 2012 Olympics as part of team Great Britain, but the UK’s No1 ranked high jumper is finding time to get involved in Southwark Council’s health factor challenge.
You live in Peckham Rye but were brought up in Brixton, what made you move to the borough?
I think the area, near Peckham Rye Park, is a lovely, calm spot to live.
I have two kids aged eight and two and it’s great for them. I also train in Dulwich, which is just down the road. And I work in and around Southwark. It just made sense to have my training, home and work within minutes of each other.
Where in Dulwich do you train?
At Dulwich College. I’ve been training there for 13 years, since I was 16.
How did you get into high jump?
Quite early, while I was at secondary school, probably aged 15. It’s a funny story actually because I was too short for the team at school. One day I snuck into training, did a jump and the coach realised I had a talent. I haven’t looked back since. But I didn’t really break onto the international scene till I was about 17 or 18. That’s when I started high jumping for the British youth team. My international experience started from there. After that, when I was 19, I joined the Great Britain team.
You’ve competed at the Commonwealth Games and other international competitions. Which sports achievement are you most proud of?
Probably, so far, making the team for the Commonwealth Games in India last year. My highest jump so far is 2.31m and since getting funding last year from the National Lottery to
become a full-time athlete, I’ve been stepping up my training to improve this for the Olympics next year.
You live, work and train in Southwark. What is it you like about the borough?
I’ve always loved Southwark. I used to come here a lot as a child, with my mum shopping and to visit friends. I’ve always loved the diversity you get in Southwark. In one part of the borough you can enjoy the markets then you can move to another part and see great views of the City and the river Thames. It’s so versatile in that respect.
The health factor challenge launches next month. How did you get involved in that?
It started because of my links with Southwark Council. Until April this year I worked as a sports coach. I got the job in 2006 and I’ve always combined that with being a professional athlete so getting involved in the challenge seemed like the right thing to do.
What will it involve?
People will take part in a programme; a combination of physical and nutritional activities helping them improve lives through use of local facilities. It’s all about encouraging and helping people in the borough to jump on board and stay healthy and fit.
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