Focus on... Jenna Downing

World Champion - Extreme Inline Skating (Still Competing)

I heard about the DKHLT when I was invited by the Trust to the Harnessing Talent Camp for elite athletes. After doing a bit of research on the DKHLT and the event they were holding I decided that it would be worthwhile to attend, especially given that I had only two months of University left and wasn’t sure where to take my career afterwards. After a successful 2-day event, I came home with a much clearer vision of where I wanted to take my career after University and how I was to do it.

The Trust has since provided me with some useful contacts and information which will allow me to combine my love for sport (and rollerblading in particular!) and my degree in Law, and has also provided me with other potential career possibilities. For example, I am currently applying for a project called ‘Making Headway’ which involves working with disengaged 14-16 year olds in deprived areas and challenging schools, and I have been given the chance to apply for further mentoring positions, which is a job that I am truly passionate about as I thrive on giving back into sport and inspiring young people.

At the Harnessing Talent Camp I also had a chat with an ex employer who has since asked me to re-join RAMP, a programme which I unfortunately had to terminate due to University commitments, but will be re-joining again nearer the end of the year (after the competition season has finished!) which I am really excited about. Therefore, the DKHLT has given me some valuable job opportunities to consider after University that will allow me to continue to train and compete in my chosen sport whilst working in a profession which I am passionate about.

With regards to the future, I will be away competing throughout most of the summer, coaching in between the competitions at Camp Woodward in USA and in the coaching clinics that I help run and manage at Rampworx Skate Park in Liverpool to try and increase participation in sport. I also intend on getting some valuable legal experience before the end of the year when I start on my larger mentoring projects with RAMP. But before all this, I intend on having a well-deserved break after University!

Thanks DKHLT!

Click here to be taken to Jenna’s DKHLT biography