Para triathlon coach Emma Springham insists she has a better idea of what to expect at a multi-sport event after attending the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Springham, who is based in Loughborough, was one of the aspiring support staff who accompanied the young athletes identified as emerging talent to the Games as part of the Team England Futures programme.

She was able to take in some of the action in the hockey, 3x3 basketball and swimming during her time in Birmingham, while she was given a tour of the athletes’ village. 

Springham is a regional pathway coach who looks after para triathletes in the south of England which are new to the system while also identifying any young talent newly involved in the sport. 

“I don’t think I really knew what it was going to be about,” Springham said. 

“I’m quite new to the performance world. You kind of imagine what it’s going to be like, but actually being here was just amazing, just experiencing the athletes’ village, the time it takes to get everywhere. 

“People tell you things and you don’t believe it, but actually it took forever when we went to the athletes’ village to get accreditation, and things like that. 

“For me, it’s really important to see that. I can now facilitate and help my athletes when it’s their turn because it will be their turn eventually, so it will be nice to just get them prepped for it and see exactly what they will be going through. 

Team England Futures seeks to better prepare athletes to deliver medal-winning performances as either Team England, Team GB or ParalympicsGB debutants at future Games, while also giving support staff a first-hand look at the opportunities they could be presented with, as well as challenges they may face, at a multi-sport competition.

Those involved were honoured by a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Charlotte, at the University of Birmingham. 

The Duchess has been the patron of SportsAid since 2013 and she joined in a series of workshops to provide the athletes with some further insight on the mental challenges that lie ahead. 

Birmingham 2022 was the second Commonwealth Games in which para triathlon was integrated into the programme, with competitions for the visually impaired included for both genders. 

It proved to be a very successful Games for Team England, with David Ellis and Katie Crowhurst winning the PTVI races to add to the gold medals won in the men’s race by Alex Yee and by England in the mixed relay. 

Springham believed it was a great showcase for her sport, saying: “It’s amazing not just for para sport in general but for getting the next generation through and up. 

“Para triathlon having Katie come through and winning gold – she got on her tandem for the first time at a School Games last year and she’s come through and done exceptionally well. 

“To have someone like that who can say ‘I can do this, look what you can do’ is going to be amazing. 

“She’s actually coming to the School Games with us in September, so have her as part of the cohort is going to be amazing when it comes to inspiring the next generation.” 

Commonwealth Games England has appointed SportsAid to lead on the development, management and operational delivery of Team England Futures at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. You can find out more about the programme by visiting https://www.sportsaid.org.uk/partnerships/team-england-futures/.