Para-Athlete to Represent England in Switzerland

A talented athlete studying at Solihull Sixth Form College has secured a place at the Nottwil Para Athletics Grand Prix in Switzerland in May.

Year 12 student Daina Donnelly has Cerebral Palsy and competes in the wheelchair 100m, 400m and 800m for her athletics club of Coventry Godiva Harriers. She has been competing at national and international level, having achieved the qualification time to represent the England Athletics team in all three disciplines. She will now compete in the Nottwil Para Athletics Grand Prix from the 23-25th of May 2025.

The 17-year-old from Kingshurst commented:

"It is an amazing feeling to be selected to race in the Grand Prix for the second year. It is always a good feeling being able to represent my country and put on the England kit.

"My expectation for the Grand Prix is to hopefully achieve some new personal best times in my chosen distances, which will help me move further up into the world rankings, as well as gaining some more valuable experience as an international athlete to boost my development."

Daina's athletics and career ambitions are to represent Team GB and Team England at major international events such as the Paralympic Games and World Championships in the future.

Daina is currently studying a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport course and juggles her athletics training and competing with her studies.

9 April 2025