St Mary’s student Charlotte Purdue has vowed not to let her current injury setback get the better of her as she sets her sights on a starring role at this summer’s World Junior Championships, writes Ryan Bangs.

A stress fracture of the knee, suffered in November, curtailed Purdue’s cross country season, with her absence from the following month’s European Cross Country Championships in Dublin her biggest disappointment.

“If I hadn’t picked up the injury I would have definitely gone to the European Cross-Country Championships because I was pre-selected,” said the Hook-born 18-year-old.

“It was a disappointment, but I still have one more year in that U20 category so hopefully I haven’t missed out altogether.

“This year is my last year as a junior so the World Junior Championships in Canada are the biggest aim for me and I want to push on after winning silver at the Europeans.

“I have stepped up my training this year because I have started at St Mary’s University so I am hoping that will really help me push on after winning a medal at the European Junior Championships.

“The World Championships are going to be a lot harder because there are quite a few good Kenyan girls around so it will be a step up and I know they will put in a fast pace and a good sprint at the end.

“The Europeans were a straight final and so will the worlds. The girl who beat me in Serbia went off really hard at the start and it was boiling hot so it was quite hard but a great experience.”

Purdue started a history degree at St Mary’s College in September and with a return to action imminent admits juggling the books and the track will make for a hectic schedule.

“I have stepped up my training this year because I have started at St Mary’s University so I am hoping that will really help me push on after winning a medal at the European Junior Championships,” added Purdue.

“I have only been at St Mary’s since September and it is quite hard.

“There aren’t too many lectures but the course involves a lot of reading so I am going to be busy but I am just looking forward to getting back into action.”

* Charlotte Purdue is training for victory in the new NikeWomen Fly Sister One shoe, featuring Diamond FLX technology, created especially for women to enhance multi-directional movement. NikeWomen.com