FORMER English Schools medallist Melissa Courtney has rubbed shoulders with double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes in Kent.

The 18-year-old Poole AC runner was one of just 22 athletes chosen to attend the ‘Future Stars with Kelly’ training session at Tonbridge School Centre.

Melissa took part in a weekend of intensive training that included circuits, aqua-jogging and pilates.

She also followed in Dame Kelly’s footsteps by running in the hills of Knole Park in Sevenoaks, where the 2004 double gold medallist used to train.

Dame Kelly also timetabled in a UK anti-doping workshop and a goal-getting session with sport psychologist Dr Anna Walters.

The athletes also set targets for the forthcoming year and reflected on last year’s achievements and where there could be room for improvement.

“I really enjoyed training as a group with the other girls as the majority of the time I train alone or with boys,” said Melissa. “Kelly works you really hard. This year I want to achieve the qualifying time for the World Junior Champion-ships.”

‘On Camp with Kelly’ has been supported by insurance company Aviva since 2004.

It is Dame Kelly’s mentoring and education intiative for talented young middle distance athletes.

Dame Kelly, who won the 800m and 1500m in Athens, said: “This year is a big year for all athletes, for those who are aiming to compete at the London Olympic Games as well as younger athletes for whom it will act as a massive inspiration.”

Melissa is the current Dorset county champion at 800 and 1500 metres. She also won a silver medal at the South West Schools Championships last year and has won several medals at national schools level since 2006.