GEORGIA HOLT says learning first-hand from ‘grieving’ Nekoda Davis is the best way to bounce back from her own sporting heartache.
The Melton Mowbray cycling star took part in a special Zoom mentoring session with the 2014 Commonwealth judo champion just days after missing out on a place in the Great Britain team.
And decorated Davis suffered a similarly crushing setback earlier this year, being forced to withdraw from this summer’s Olympic Games after the impact of a concussion sustained in 2019.
Holt was hand-picked as one of three young athletes – who are all supported by Entain and SportsAid – to take part in the 90-minute session and hopes engaging with Davis can catalyse her recovery.
The 20-year-old said: “It definitely opened my eyes to a different perspective.
“She was refreshing – to know she is having a hard time as well and was still able to give that kind of advice is quite a big thing.
“It was really good, just to listen to someone who has had a journey in a different sport to my own.
“Some of the things she said overlapped with what I’d been told in the past, and everything she said just seemed to make sense, I agreed with and learned from.”
On her own recent experiences, Holt added: “They came to a decision not to select me, which has just been dreadful.
“I was just like: ‘what, it makes no sense’. But they’ve made their minds up and there’s no point trying to change it. It just stung a bit.
“I’ve been warming up for training and have a big block starting this week. I’ve just got to get on with it now.”
Holt’s career in the velodrome is financially supported by Entain – owner of Ladbrokes and Coral – and SportsAid’s partnership that helps her access funding for training, travel and equipment.
The Leicestershire star is studying Biomedical Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University and trains at the National Cycling Centre – also based in the city.
Davis, 27, was a former SportsAid-supported athlete herself and relished spending an hour and a half engaging with the next generation.
Holt and Davis were joined on the call by taekwondo star Sam Heppenstall-Batty, 19, and para table tennis player Craig Allen, 26, who are also supported by Entain and SportsAid’s innovative partnership.
All three athletes were given the chance to ask Davis a range of questions and engage in a memorable Q&A, covering topics such as setbacks, preparation, social media and dietary advice.
Davis is turning her attention to the 2024 Olympic cycle and the 2018 World Championship silver medallist, who competes in the -57kg category, said: “It was really nice to meet the athletes and I wish them all a massive good luck.
“I was a SportsAid athlete myself, and I feel like SportsAid was the start of my professional elite career.
“It was a real privilege to be there and I’m excited I could show them all my progression and journey.”
Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. As part of this three-year partnership, Entain are supporting a diverse group 50 of UK athletes per year from a variety of spots and para-sports. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more
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