Following a family tradition

Guernsey athlete Eloise Scholes is ready to make her mark on the Island Games.

Having trained with Alun Williams in her early years, recurrent injuries made her fall out of love with athletics.

She found her way back to the sport in the last year due to some involvement in athletics at university.

Eloise says she's excited about her first games.

"I am very overwhelmed and privileged to be part of it and represent my island."

"I'm obviously nervous and do feel the pressure given my family background."

Her parents, Martine and Ian, have both represented Guernsey in the island games.

Her Mum in athletics in 2007 and 2009 and her Dad was a triathlete in Rhodes 2007.

"They're both very proud and Mum has told me to immerse myself into the experience and enjoy it."

Eloise is competing in the 1500 metres and the 5k.

"The 1500 is definitely my favourite event, it's so exciting to watch, let alone be part of."

Her time of 4:39.25 in the 1500m at the end of June took her to 6th on the all-time list for Guernsey, one spot below her Mum.

"Getting to chase my Mum's times has been a huge incentive."

Training has been going well, despite the challenges of graduation and starting a job amongst it.

She says "a medal is always the aspiration but mostly I want to do myself, and those who have helped me along the way, proud and just enjoy it and do my best."

When she's not competing Eloise will be watching the athletics and she's expecting a great week.

She says: "Getting to wear the Guernsey kit I have worked so hard to earn will feel amazing."

The full Guernsey athletics team is: Nic Ackerman, Chris Bain, Kate Bain, Richard Bartram, Tilly Beddow, Amelie Carpentier, Rhiannon Dowinton, Holly Drake, Josh Duke, Sarah Eagles, Abi Galpin, Sammy Galpin, Lauren Gilchrist, Victoria Hancock, Amelia Hart, Darcey Hodgson, Vanessa King, Seth Le Tissier, Theo Le Tissier, Nicole Petit, Daniel Pike, Emily Pike, James Priest, Gian-Luca Robilliard, Eloise Scholes, Lindsay Sword, Ethan Woodhead.