European 10,000 metres champion Jo Pavey says becoming a mother helped to make her a better athlete.

Jo was in the Isle of Man yesterday as guest of honour at the Isle of Man Sports Awards, sponsored by Isle of Man Bank.

Isle of Man Bank also arranged an informal lunch for colleagues and customers to meet Jo, followed by a question and answer session.

Jo’s success last year at the age of 40 was one of the sporting stories of the summer.

The Devon athlete returned to the track just months after giving birth to her second child, to win bronze medal in the 5,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Just ten days later, Jo won the 10,000m race in the European Championships in Zurich – topping the silver medal she won in 2012

At the lunch, in the Sefton Hotel, Douglas, mother-of-two Jo told guests that she only stopped breast feeding in April and then took part in the Commonwealth Games trials in May.

Asked how she managed to fit in parenthood with being a top athlete, Jo said: ‘It is really busy but I think it has been quite interesting, because when I was younger I would eat, sleep and train and be really serious.

‘It has taught me that being happier and having the balance in life led to me being better. I wish I had known that years ago.’
Jo said she was lucky to have her husband Gavin as her trainer, which enables them to organise training around family needs. It had also strengthened their relationship, she said.

Parenthood has even provided extra motivation on race days, she revealed.

‘To have my two young children in the stadium with me has made it more special.’

Being one of the world’s best athletes and a parent can also lead to some unexpected preparations in the run-up to major events.
‘My last race before the Commonwealth Games was a pre-school mums’ race!’

A former English Schools Champion and international athlete since 1997, Jo has competed in four Olympic Games, four World Championships and three Commonwealth Games and now has her eye on competing in the Olympics in Rio next year.

Her 2014 success brought with it a host of accolades and awards including British Athletics Athlete of the Year and Sport England Pride of Sport Inspirational Performance Award. The public recognised Jo’s achievements by her placing third in the prestigious BBC TV Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Earlier in her career, Jo competed at 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres, before concentrating on the longer distances. She picked up a silver medal in the 5000m at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Jo revealed she was impressed with the Isle of Man, both the sporting facilities and the people.

‘Everybody has been so friendly and kind,’ she added.

Deniese Smith, Senior Bank Manager at Isle of Man Bank, thanked Jo for taking the time to talk to the guests and also thanked the guests for their questions.