Lucy Omnet epitomises all that is good in local sport because she always gave 100% as a nipper in netball and is now showing real talent as a middle-distance runner - and someone who is a committed member of the team ethos at Pembrokeshire Harriers.
 
Lucy is already a Welsh international middle-distance runner and her willingness to get stuck in was emphasized by her coach Peter Freeman when he told us,

"We could not have a more natural team captain than Lucy because she is ready to be involved in anything and encourages all around her to give a similar commitment, which is the only way she knows. She had a hip injury earlier on in the season but she battled hard and overcame her problem."
 
High praise indeed from someone who really knows his athletics!
 

Early start at Pembroke School

 
Lucy began running in year seven at Pembroke School as she went to the county schools' sports in Haverfordwest and came second.
"It was the first time that I met Peter (Freeman) when he came up to me and asked me if I would like to join Pembrokeshire Harriers - and I became a member at the same time as Abbie Williams, who is now doing so well in triathlon.
 
"At the same time as running middle distance I enjoyed cross country running and did well from the start in both County (held at Oakwood) and Dyfed Championships (in Carmarthen) - until I had to take a break because of studies for my GCSE exams.”
 

Amusing moment – and total family support

 
When qualifying for the Welsh Schools’ Mini Marathon she lost her running shoe in the first 100 metres but carried on the race and showed typical commitment as she finished sixth (and her friend, Rosie Llewellyn, who was in an earlier race, kindly went back to the start and dug out her running shoe!)
 
“I have also competed in cross country, which inevitably means even more travel but luckily my mum Fay (who features in local netball) and dad Iain are totally supportive and great taxi drivers for our family.
 
That not only includes me but my brother Ben (15) who is a keen swimmer and member of Pembrokeshire Paddlers with his canoe, and has taken part in the 'Long Course Weekend' in Tenby last year, and my sister Lauren, who loves swimming and netball.
 

Always ready to help out

 
Back on the middle distance running for Lucy, she has represented Dyfed Schools every year and then West Wales at the Welsh Championships; traditionally held at the Leckwith Stadium in Cardiff.
 
"I usually compete in the 1,500 metres but help out at 800 metres when needed, as I did this last year more often and was pleased to achieve a new personal best of 2 minutes 21 seconds.
 
"This season I have again placed more emphasis back on the 1,500 metres as I've competed at the older level in the Youth Development League and really enjoyed my involvement with the Harriers."
 

High honours – richly deserved

 
Her performances earned her selection for the Welsh Athletics Championships, where she joined Matthew Williams and Abi Buxton as co-captains - and was delighted to stand on the podium to receive the silver medal.
 
This earned her selection for the Welsh team in the annual Home Nations' Championship, this year held in Cardiff, and where she provided further evidence of her willingness to take part.
 
"Because I came second I went up as a travelling reserve and was surprised, but really pleased once I got over my nerves, to be told that I was needed to run against the best young athletes from England.
 
"After having a warm-up the race was on before I could blink and I eventually finished in fifth place, which was even better than I thought when I discovered afterwards that I had somehow lost three spikes from my Nike running shoes
 
"I had to be pleased in the circumstances and I eventually hope to get another chance in the future where I can hopefully claim a podium place."
 

Memorable moments

 
What was lovely for Lucy, however, was the fact that she is now the proud owner of a coveted Welsh vest, alongside her track suit, shorts and tee shirts, all emblazoned with the Welsh badge!
 
Another great moment came for Lucy as she represented Welsh Schools in the London Mini Marathon in April 2015, running three miles in 18m12s.
 

Other sports

 
Outside of her athletics, Lucy used to play netball with Pembroke, enjoying her role at either end of the court as goalkeeper or goal shooter - and was also a more than useful swimmer with the Pembroke Club in breaststroke and  freestyle over the shorter distances of 100 or 200 metres.
 
"At one stage I was training for the Pembrokeshire Development Squad but what with school work and athletics I simply found it too much of a commitment," Lucy told us.
 

Enjoys hard work in training

 
"In athletics our training takes place at the superb track at Sir Thomas Picton School ton Tuesday and Thursday evenings - and they last for up to two hours on the far side of the track, where Peter makes the sessions enjoyable with lots of hard work but equal amounts of humour.
 
"I also enjoy as many visits to the gymnasium and swimming pool at Pembroke Leisure Centre as often as possible but there is the little matter of school work to think about," says Lucy with a chuckle!
 

And finally . . .

 
Ask Lucy about sporting ambitions and she would perhaps point out that she would love to further her Welsh representation but in the main just wants to enjoy what she loves doing in her spare time.
 
Lucy Omnet is quick to play down her part in the club outside of her running but there is no doubt that she supports the likes of Peter Freeman, Liz and Nigel Rowland, Sue Alvey, Richard Davies, Huw Morgan and the rest at Pembrokeshire Harriers off the track - and they all think a great deal of this smashing young lady as a result!