HOLLY Bradshaw admits she is in the form of her life as the Blackburn Harriers star targets the World Championships in London later this summer.

Bradshaw captured the heart of the nation after setting a new British women’s pole vault record of 4.80metres at the Great City Games in Manchester just four days after the terror attack at the Manchester Arena.

“I’m really excited about what the rest of the season may bring,” said Bradshaw.

“The aim is to keep building the momentum and confidence towards the World Championships in August which is where I need to be at my best.”

She added: “My training is going really well and the plan I had with my coach at the start of the year is on schedule.

“I definitely feel the best I’ve ever felt in terms of my work and training and I’m in great shape.

“To jump 4.80metres – my second highest ever – was a bit of a shock but I did know the heights were in me.

“There is still room for improvement, with little tweaks here and there, which is very encouraging going into a really big few months.”

It proved a double celebration for Bradshaw at last month’s Great City Games as she surpassed her own personal best before beating her own national record.

She entered the competition at 4.50m and went clear at the third attempt. Bradshaw then set a new national record of 4.72m before extending that to 4.80ms and said: “I had been jumping really well in training so I knew I was capable of it.

“But to do what I did was emotional and inspiring given what had happened in Manchester.

“Manchester is a city close to my heart and I was really upset by what happened, but to be able to compete in front of that incredible crowd was a privilege and to break my own record was an added bonus.

“I don’t usually do big celebrations, but there was a photograph of me in one of the newspapers with a big, beaming smile after the 4.80m jump and it just captured how I felt.

“I was so chuffed and so happy to be able to achieve that at Manchester.

“It really was something very special and it just showed how strong everyone is when we come together.”

Bradshaw joined Blackburn Harriers as a teenager and said those formative years at Witton Park Arena played a significant role in her own career development.

“Since I was a child I’ve always loved all sport and thrown myself into it,” she added.

“When I joined Blackburn Harriers I was doing hurdles, high jump and whatever else my club was short of.

“I have achieved many things I’ve only dreamed of. Competing at two Olympic Games, winning European Indoors gold and finishing sixth in my home Olympics, but competing for Blackburn Harriers set me on my way.

“I remember them putting on high jump taster sessions for me and that’s where it all started.

“That experience at Blackburn Harriers is something that I will always cherish because now I love telling people about pole vault, inspiring young kids in school or athletics clubs to get involved in my sport or any sport is the most rewarding thing.”

“I’ve got an incredibly strong bond with everyone at Blackburn Harriers and I love the club because it has played such a special part in my life.”