Holly Bradshaw first stepped on the world’s biggest stage in the 2012 London Olympics. She made it through to the finals, but at 4.55m she knocked the bar. Disappointed, she boldly stated she would be at the top of her game. Lo and behold, she was back at the 2016 Rio Olympics, ready to redeem herself. Her stellar vault catapulted her to finals. But despite clearing 4.70m in her second attempt, she couldn’t clear 4.80 placing fifth by the end of it.

She then set her sights on the Tokyo Olympics. Looks like third time was the charm for her! Her jump of 4.85 m helped her clinch an Olympic bronze. Bradshaw’s jump of 4.90m even set a new GB outdoors record! Amidst speculation of the Olympian retiring, she is now preparing for the upcoming Summer Games in the French capital. This will be Bradshaw’s fourth Olympic run. But, who will be cheering the athlete on from the stands? Let’s find out! 

Meet Debbie Bleasdale: Holly Bradshaw’s mother

Holly hails from Preston in northern England. She spent most of her time in the quaint town with her parents and her little sister, Abigail. Her mother Debbie is a semi-retired teacher and a careers coordinator. Her ever-supportive mother constantly posts Bradshaw’s achievements on her social media. Debbie is also a huge baking and interior design affectionate. Bradshaw’s sister has followed her sister’s footsteps into the world of sports and found her way to soccer. She is currently with the Curzon Ashton Women’s soccer team!

Holly Bradshaw wasn’t always keen on pole vaulting. At the age of 6, she first tried her hand at gymnastics. By the time she was 11-years-old, she had a newfound love of running and stuck to it for 6 long years. She found her way to pole vaulting at 17, when she tried it for the first time. And she hasn’t let go ever since!

Holly Bradshaw talks about her late father

Her illustrious journey had several ups and downs, but it wasn’t anything Bradshaw couldn’t face head on. That is, until her father passed away in November last year. In conversation with BBC Lancaster, the Olympian reflects on how that has changed her perspective about sports and her life. “My father got really really ill, and then suddenly passed away”. She states how this was the worst thing that could’ve ever happened to her.

“I’m kind of living on the edge of something bad is around the corner, but I’m just trying to live in the moment.” It also forced her to focus on what is important. For Bradshaw, that would mean her friends, her family, and her own happiness. As painful as that experience was for the European Championships bronze medalist, she is incredibly grateful for it now. As an advocate of mental health, the pole vaulter mentions how she doesn’t do anything if it doesn’t result in happiness for her.

As she looks forward to her fourth Olympic run in Paris, the World Indoor Championships bronze medalist will be focusing on more than just the sport. Not only will she be working towards being at her peak physically, she will also be focusing on her mental health. She believes this is the only way she will be able to put her best foot forward. While many fans will be looking forward to the 32-year-old vie for Olympic glory yet again, will we watch her clinch the coveted gold this time around?