As I well know, the life of an athlete is full of highs and lows. Whereas the highs are often shared with others, the lows, whether they be injuries, a lull in performance or a loss in self belief, can be lonely times for any athlete and the impact can last far longer.

Great athletes are those who are able to deal with setbacks and the unexpected, using the experiences to fuel their hunger and determination. That ability comes from experience and illustrates why every competition on the path to an Olympic or Paralympic Games is a valuable stepping stone.

With this year’s Sainsbury’s UK School Games, a major multi-sport event managed by the Youth Sport Trust, just a matter of weeks away, I cannot stress enough how valuable a part this event will play on the learning curve of these up and coming athletes. 

One of my earliest experiences of performing on a large scale was at the English Schools Athletics Championships when I was younger.  In all honesty, it was a hugely disappointing event for me. It was one of the first times I found myself on a national stage and I had no idea about the pressure that would come bring, let alone how to deal with it.  I was completely unprepared.

Although disappointing in terms of results, it made me understand how important it would be to learn how to perform under pressure and deal with whatever was thrown at me.  It was one of the most valuable lessons I could have learnt and I was able to come back more prepared, more focused and even more hungry to achieve.

For some the Sainsbury’s UK School Games will go exactly to plan, for others there may be stumbling blocks in the way - but it will be those who come up against challenges and find it in themselves to overcome them whose triumph will carry a little more value. 

To be able to perform at an elite level requires not only talent, but also preparation, experience and the ability to bring with you lessons learnt from past events. Whatever their results, everyone will leave this year’s Games having learned a little more about themselves.

The lessons I learned through my career were really put to the test during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens when, during the final of the 4x100m relay, I made a rare mistake and suffered a false start. I didn’t want to look back on my career with regrets and I didn’t want my name against a disqualification, denying GB the chance of a medal.



As I walked back to the blocks, I knew I had to be disciplined.  I regained my composure and focused back on what I was doing.  What had happened was now in the past.  I believed in myself and my abilities and knew that I was one of the best sprint starters. I was at the place I felt most at home - on the track - and, from experience I knew I had it in me to bounce back and prove my ability – which I did. 

With all the distractions that will surround the athletes - staying in the athletes village, mixing with likeminded people and managing their own time; the Sainsbury’s UK School Games will provide athletes the perfect opportunity to prove what they are made of and their ability to be true to themselves and their goals.

When the event is over, if they are hungry for more they will assess not only how they performed but how they coped with the pressures and the distractions; and how they bounced back from setbacks and disappointment and put that into practice next time.

Jason Gardener is a School Sport Ambassador for the Youth Sport Trust. The highlight of his career came when he won Olympic gold as part of the British 4x100m relay quartet at the Athens Games in 2004. Other achievements include a gold medal over 60m at the 2004 World Indoor Championships and a hat-trick of 60m European Indoors Championships title, as well as being made an MBE in 2005.  The Sainsbury’s UK School Games take place September 2-5. For more details click here.