almost every lesson and was made to feel like she was nothing. Older students would look through the window and laugh at her. The teachers were far from supportive and would shout at her until tears were rolling down her cheeks. But she was determined to do well and she got stronger every day, both mentally and physically. After dance or school class she would stay behind and keep practising ballet while the other girls would lounge about and rest up. She felt like giving up and going home where she knew she would get the support of her family, but she had to prove to herself and others she could do it, she could make it as something big! Only 3 years later in the year of 1985, she was accepted to attend the Royal Ballet’s Upper School programme. It was here she really fulfilled her potential and was given solo parts in performances! She even got to take a dance lesson with the wonderful and famous Rudolf Nureyev! As time went by she attended a different school today known as Birmingham Royal Ballet before being invited back to the Royal Ballet School where she was given the role of soloist. She was then quickly promoted to first soloist and after a phenomenal performance she was promoted again to the highest possible role of principal. This was a huge and very rare achievement because she was only 19 years old! Darcey then led on to becoming a very famous and inspiring ballet dancer who was voted the nation’s favourite ballerina. I was eager to write about Darcey Bussell’s life because dancing is my passion too and I would love to take it up as a future career. I am 13 years old and was anxious when I read that Darcey was behind the other girls at my age when she went to a professional dance school. I can only imagine how she must have felt while she was bullied and fought to catch up with the other girls. I know I would find that hard, but knowing she had the determination and strength to pull through gives me hope. I am aware there is a lot of jealousy and competition at a dance school, but look at how big Darcey Bussell has become! After finding out more about her, it has made me even more determined to make it to the next level through dance. And I would know that it is possible to achieve your goals, you just can’t let other people stand in your way!
Cameron Christie Portlethen Academy “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision” Muhammad Ali Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros is my sporting inspiration. He is considered by many to be the best golfer of all time. Seve was born on 9 April 1957 in Cantabria, Spain. He learned how to play golf at the nearby beaches when he was supposed to be at school. He mainly played with a 3 iron his brother gave him. Seve isn’t the only one from his family who is a gifted golfer. His uncle Ramon Sota, 4 times Spanish champion, and Manuel Ballesteros, his brother, was one of the top 100 golfers in the world between 1972 and 1983. Manuel later went on to be Seve’s manager. His brothers Vincente and Baldomero were professional golfers along with his nephew Raul.
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