Reebok Mena recently invited Britain’s double Olympic gold medalist Kelly Holmes to test the comfortability and durability of their new running shoes Floatride in a 10k challenge with other runners from UAE running clubs at Sir Bani Yas Island.
The 46-year-old retired athlete won two gold medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens for 800 metres and 1,500 metres runs.
At the trial run with the new trainers, which will be available at Reebok stores from April 1, Holmes also discussed importance of the right training and gear for competition, recovering from injury and depression and being committed to goals.
The middle-distance runner, who has an army background, began her professional career in sports in 1993, winning accolades at the UK Championships and the Amateur Athletics Association Championships. She then began training for the Olympics, but was marred with injuries throughout her early career. She was diagnosed with a stress fracture at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta but ran to win a bronze in the 800m category. She continued to battle health issues and injuries throughout the late 90s before returning strong for her victory at the 2004 Olympics. The athlete was honoured the MBE in 1998 for services to the British Army and was honoured with a Damehood by the Queen in 2005, as well.
Holmes also set up the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust that provides sports training opportunities to disadvantaged young people in the UK. She also works with Daman in Abu Dhabi to run mentorship programmes and guide youngsters towards a healthy lifestyle.
Reebok’s new shoes have their innovative floatride foam that is created of a cell structure to provide cushioning and responsiveness for long distance running. A seam-free one piece ultra knit material inside allows for breathable flexibility and comfort and an EVA (closed cell foam) support in the rim centres help balance the foot throughout the gait cycle.
Floatride will be available at Reebok stores from this weekend for Dh645. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/reebokmena/ or @reebokmena
aahmed@thenational.ae
