Para-athlete Amy Thompson is more used to the bench than the beach – but that won't stop her from catching every second of England's beach volleyball performances at the Commonwealth Games.
The 15-year-old from Liverpool won gold in shot put and the discus at the World Para Athletics Championships in Italy with Team GB this year.
But now she wants to experience new sports when Team England Futures take the athletes off on tomorrow to witness a Commonwealth Games on home soil in Birmingham.
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"I am going to Birmingham on August 3, and I'm watching the decathlon, but then in the afternoon, I am going to watch the beach volleyball," said Thompson, who is a member of Aldi’s Rising Stars, a programme that supports 20 young athletes by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs, while also delivering personal development opportunities to many athletes through workshop sessions.
"I think beach volleyball will be a completely different experience and really fun to watch.
"I haven't played the sport before, but I have given indoor volleyball a go, so I get the idea.
"We are only in Birmingham for the day, but it's huge to have been invited to watch with Team England.
"I really appreciated being invited to watch because it is a great opportunity to experience what it is like at these sorts of competitions before you actually go to compete.
"If I do make it to a Commonwealth Games now, it will feel far more normal."
Thompson attends Holy Family Catholic High School and competes at Wigan Harriers, having risen to F41 UK number one in the shot put and discus.
And after rising to the top of her sport domestically, Thompson has been inspired by the prospect of watching a Commonwealth Games on home soil.
She said: "Being able to watch the Commonwealth Games this summer is going to really inspire me.
"To see it in real life is incredible. One day I want to be in their shoes, so it is a big inspiration.
"I really look up to Kirsty Law because she has incredible determination to succeed, and she respects that even in defeat, she has to come back and drive to succeed.
"It's really important to have these role models because they're relatable."
Each year, athletes are nominated to SportsAid by the national governing bodies of more than 60 sports, based on set criteria.
The Rising Stars athletes will be receiving financial support through Aldi as well as a monthly food voucher, to fuel them through training, competitions and to future Olympic and Paralympic Games.
And Thompson advised fans not to underestimate the impact a home crowd can have on an athlete while competing.
She added: "A home games would be massive.
"You have got a home crowd, and then you also have people around you that you now, so you might feel more comfortable.
"I feel like you would be even more excited to be there because it is your country.
"It is not only good for the city, but it is good for the athletes as well.
"I imagine that it may feel like a training day because you have got so used to the surroundings over the years while training.”
"The build-up to Birmingham has really boosted my hopes of one day competing at a Commonwealth Games."
Aldi is the Official Supermarket Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB and have partnered with Team GB since 2015, ParalympicsGB since 2022 and will be supporting them through to Paris 2024
