Newbury and Great Britain athlete Izzy Fry excited for European Cross Country Championships in Dublin

Izzy Fry is relishing the opportunity to represent Great Britain once again when she heads to Ireland this weekend for the European Cross Country Championships.

The former Park House pupil is part of a strong team heading over to Dublin after qualifying at the British Athletics Cross Challenge, which doubled up as the European team trials.

Fry finished 7th in the senior race and was the second U23 performer across the line in the event in Liverpool last month.

“It has been one of my aims now for a while, along with the European Championships in the summer which I had already ticked off so this one I have been aiming towards.

“It is nice that it’s in Ireland because I can have a few people out there who will be coming to support and hopefully it will be a really good weekend.

“Having the team environment, where there is six per team, is really nice and it good to be able to think in a team rather than thinking individually.

“Having the support again after not having any spectators in summer will only make it a strong environment.”

The Newbury AC member was pleased with her performance in Liverpool and she has set herself some targets for the Dublin event.

“As an under-20, I came sixth in the U20 Championships so I am middle-aged now up to 23 and therefore it means I have another year at this age group.

“Having said that, I would love a top 10 finish purely because every time I put on the GB vest I have managed to get in the top 10 and it will be good to carry that on.

“I think I would be over the moon with a finish like that, but we have a really strong team to be able to fight for a team gold which would be really exciting.”

Fry, who represents Team New Balance Manchester, has praised the support she continues to receive all-year round.

“I have loved every second of it [New Balance] and it’s a great environment for me to keep pushing towards my goals.

“I have a great support team who have helped me push on and those also at Newbury AC because they’re always doing their part.

“I have a lovely support group who are always wishing for me to do my best,” she added.