Joanne Ryan bags a bronze medal at first-ever World Championships

Lee Valley VeloPark concierge Joanne Ryan bagged a bronze medal at the World Indoor Masters Athletics Championships.

Joanne, who has worked at the state-of-the-art venue for six months since moving over from Lee Valley Athletics Centre, took part in a number of events during the Championships in Torun, Poland.

The Lee Valley 2022 partnership customer services winner finished sixth in the 60m, fourth in the 200m, scoring two season’s personal times in both races.

Joanne, who trains six days a week at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, then rounded off a successful event with a bronze medal in the women’s 4x200m relay to land a spot on the podium.

Joanne Ryan said: “I was over the moon with how well I done for my first ever World Championships, however I had to re-focus as I had the relay to run with my team.

“I was the first leg runner and I handed over the baton with our team in first spot, we had an amazing race where we ended up placing third and bringing home a world bronze medal.

“I could not believe it, all that hard work and training I put in has finally paid off, we were a great team. All I could think was I’m a world medalist”.

“I have to thank my coach, Lawrence for putting in a lot of time coaching me, and my whole family for their support over the years, especially my mum and dad and fiancé Paul.

“I believe there is more medals for me in the future as this has just made me hungry for more.”

She added: “I’ve trained at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre for many years now, the indoor facility is great especially when it’s freezing cold outside so I’m able to warm up indoors before heading out to the outdoor track.

“Most of my running sessions are done at the track, and this I where I do all my gym sessions to. The facility is great for any level athlete.

“I would also like to thank all of the Lee valley VeloPark for their amazing support, I work with such a great team.”

Jeremy Northrop, General Manager at Lee Valley VeloPark added: “We are all so proud of Joanne, not only for being a World medalist, but how she conducts herself at work so professionally and her commitment to being and wanting to be a world class athlete.

“Well done Joanne from everyone at the VeloPark.”

Has Joanne's success inspired you? You can train at Lee Valley Athletics Centre just like Joanne by joining online.