Scottish records. National titles. A first Senior Scotland call-up. And one of the most successful seasons of her career so far.
For young North-East athlete Holly Whittaker, the past 12 months have been remarkable.
Supported by the Dr Hellen Reith Trust, managed by Aberdeen Sports Village, Holly has competed across Scotland, the UK and internationally – with the Trust helping to make those opportunities possible.
Living and training in the North East brings an additional challenge for athletes competing nationally. Travel and accommodation quickly add up, with Holly’s competition costs exceeding £6,300 over the past year alone.
Without financial support, many of those opportunities would simply be out of reach.
“My family and I simply could not have afforded for me to take part in these key competitions without the Trust’s support.”
A breakthrough year
And Holly has made those opportunities count.
Over the past year, she has won 14 Scottish National medals, including eight golds, alongside four English National medals, three Scottish Schools medals and four SIAB Home International medals.
She also became the first Scottish U18 woman in 28 years to win gold in the SIAB Home International Pentathlon.
And the milestones kept coming.
Holly broke three Scottish records and a UK record and was named Scottish Athletics U17 Athlete of the Year.
Her performances took her to No.1 in the Scottish women’s 100m hurdles rankings and earned her a first Senior Scotland call-up in May 2026.
Just one month later, Holly was part of the U20 4x100m relay team that broke the Scottish senior record.
Holly’s success is a powerful example of what’s possible when young women are given the opportunity and support to keep progressing in sport.
Bringing it home to ASV
The 2026 outdoor season brought another special milestone – and this one happened much closer to home.
Competing at the Scottish Senior Championships at Aberdeen Sports Village, Holly claimed her first senior titles.
Now studying Physiotherapy at Robert Gordon University and living next to ASV, Holly can train and complete her strength and conditioning without the extensive travel that has previously been part of her routine.
And her ambitions for the next 12 months are even bigger.
Holly hopes to earn selection for the GB Futures relay programme, compete for Great Britain at U20 level and achieve the qualifying standard for the 2027 European U20 Championships in Poland.
“To all at the Trust, thank you so much for your help and belief in me.”
Holly’s journey is a powerful example of what removing financial barriers can make possible – giving talented young athletes the opportunity to keep progressing and discover just how far their sport can take them.
Supporting sporting opportunities
The Dr Hellen Reith Trust provides financial assistance to help individuals continue progressing in their sport when financial constraints could otherwise stand in their way.
Continued support for ASV helps ensure programmes and trusts like these can keep opening doors for young athletes and giving them the opportunities they need to thrive.
