WALES lacrosse international Lottie Van-Praag beat Olympic icon Sally Gunnell at her own game less than three years after being inspired by the golden girl of British athletics.
The 16-year-old Usk schoolgirl took on the 400-metre hurdles ace on a track simulator at a trade show in Birmingham and ran out winner by more than two seconds – in her socks.
Later, Lottie's father revealed Sally had been the inspiration behind his daughter's sporting success after the pair met at the opening of a new sports hall at her private school in Malvern, Worcestershire, in 2008.
"The talk she gave on commitment and determination had such an impact on Lottie," said Steve Van-Praag.
"She made such a huge difference that Lottie went on to become the youngest woman to play for Wales lacrosse at senior level.
"The simulator was all a bit of fun – Lottie took part in her stocking feet. But I suppose it was fitting that she should be the one to beat the athlete who inspired her the most."
Sally and Lottie were taking part in an Xbox Kinect hurdles time trial set up by party giants Amscan on their 'Pride, Passion, Party' stand at the International Spring Fair.
For full story see Beacon 16/02/11.