Athletics success is often fleeting and very few people can boast of a long, prosperous career with their local club.

However, Claire Ryan is one of the few athletes who can look back on a 30-year association with a single club, competing on the international stage and winning major honours along the way.

From the moment Claire signed up with Halifax Harriers as a 16-year-old, she enjoyed success thanks to her dedication to training and competition. With an exemplary attitude to the sport and her clubmates, she has gone on to become an outstanding athlete as well as a much-loved member of the club.

Claire has represented her country in many events and was named Sportswoman of the Year at the npower Active Sports Awards in 2004 and 2007.

Claire Ryan has represented her country many times in her 30 years with Harriers.

placeholder image — Claire Ryan has represented her country many times in her 30 years with Harriers.

Her journey started as a student at Haycliffe School, in Bradford where, encouraged by her teachers, Claire took up athletics and gymnastics and won Mini Olympics gold medals in both sports.

Buoyed by her success, she joined Harriers and went on to represent her country at the second International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Championships, in Birmingham, in 1998; the second global athletics championship organised by the IPC following the inaugural 1994 games in Berlin.

Claire won a gold and silver medal and went on to compete as a sprinter at the highest level, at events including World Games and World Indoor Championships.

Claire said: “When I was 16, I watched Dame Denise Lewis and Steve Backley and it drew my attention to being a professional athlete. It really inspired me to do more with my life.”

And now, after three decades with the Harriers, Claire is certainly a role model for the next generation of athletes. Offering advice to youngsters at the start of their athletics journey, she said: “All you need to do is dream. Believe and achieve. Potential is always there.

"Be on your best behaviour and make a good impression by being kind and respectful to one another.

"Win or lose, don’t worry. Just think about your next event. Coaches will always be proud of you in doing your best.

"Be happy and always remember to work hard and keep your chin up.

"Take on board everything recommended to you as a positive. Dream of the professional sports person you want to be.”