STUDENTS from Blackburn College got the opportunity to gain an insight into what it takes to be an Olympian yesterday by quizzing pole vault ace Holly Bleasdale.

The Blackburn Harrier, who won bronze at this month’s world indoor championships in Istanbul, was at the official opening of the town’s £21million Barbara Castle Way Health Centre.

The 20-year-old Chorley vaulter spoke to students studying for a level three BTEC in sport at the Everybody Centre, about her preparations and expectations for London 2012, as well as her background in Pole Vault.

She told the students how she has only been a pole vaulter for three years and answered their questions about her training and schedule ahead of the Olympics in August.

The students described getting the chance to speak to former Parklands School pupil as an ‘inspiration’.

Lewis Wissett, 16, said; “It is inspiring to see she has done so well after becoming a professional such a short time ago.

“I will definitely be watching to see how she gets on in the Olympics and hopefully she can bring back a medal.”

Sir Bill Taylor, Chair of NHS Blackburn with Darwen, said: “Holly carries a lot of our hopes and aspiration in August. All the people in Blackburn with Darwen will be watching her skill and hard work.”

The centre has 121 clinical rooms and around 250 health care workers from a vast range of services.

It first began to take patients at the end of October and was officially opened yesterday.