Pole Vault is one of the most thrilling events to watch. What makes it even more exciting for Sussex is Gemma Tutton. The 15 year old is one to watch. She holds the British Under 13 and Under 15 records and has topped national rankings since she started in the sport. Kate Matthews caught up with the Under 17 Lewes AC youngster to chat about her background, her training and how she is dealing with changes following isolation and Coronavirus.
Kate: Who are you?
Gemma: Gemma Tutton, 15, Lewes, Lewes AC, Rick Pilling is my coach.
Kate: What are your favourite distances/disciplines?
Gemma: Pole vault - it’s a combination of all the best parts of every event.
Kate: How did you get into athletics?
Gemma: I started at my local club when I was in year 4.
Kate: Was the distance/discipline above always your favourite?
Gemma: I always loved high jump, sprinting and shot putt but when I tried pole vault for the first time I knew that was what I wanted to do
Kate: What do you love/hate about the sport?
Gemma: I love the inversion, if you hit it right it’s the best feeling in the whole world. Honestly there's nothing I don't like about it!
Kate: What has kept you in it?
Gemma: Even though I love pole vault I only jump once a week. I don't mind though because athletics keeps me fit and healthy and I get to train with amazing people!
Kate: : Have you had any breaks from it and come back?
Gemma: I have had my low moments vaulting wise but training has always made me happy, whenever I stop I become lazy and sad.
Kate: What is your most proud athletics' achievement moment?
Gemma: Last year I got my PB at a competition where my coach wasn't there and even though I much prefer when I have him around it showed me I could make do on my own! 
Kate: What has been the toughest moment?
Gemma: Last year vaulting became difficult and for the first time ever I wasn't taking off, running through. I snapped out of it as quickly as it had started but those two months were hard.
Kate: How often do you train (in normal times) and type of things this includes?
Gemma: I train 5 days a week at the track normally and my training plan is so fun. It includes sprints, jumps, pole vault drills, hurdles, everything!
Kate: Have you had any bad injuries and how did you deal with these?
Gemma: I've never actually had a bad injury luckily (touch wood!) so I do lots of band work with my ankles and knees to protect them. I don't know if other growing teenagers have experienced this but last year without fail every training session I would get a pain somewhere which would stop me from training. They only lasted about 20 minutes but it was very painful!
Kate: Other than actual achievements/PBs, what has being part of athletics brought to your life?
Gemma: I have found lots of friends who know everything about me- training is usually a gossip session! I know that everytime I go to training I'll have a laugh especially with my best friend Ivy and we'll be so competitive we end up on the floor!
Kate: Best athletics memory?
Gemma: I will always remember when I first got on the bed, it seemed huge and scary!
Kate: Any strange memories?
Gemma: At the U15 national champs in Bedford I got a migraine during the competition, it didn't hurt but I couldn't see anything at all running towards the bed. I found it hilarious at the time even though I ended up coming fourth.
Kate: What would you say to younger people wanting to get started?
Gemma: Pole Vault is like a puzzle that you never solve, once you start there's a big chance you'll never stop! It has grounded through all my teen drama and I wouldn't stop for the world so start if you can!
Kate: How do you juggle training/competitions around school?
Gemma: I find that it's always the busiest people who get things done. Although it does mean sometimes I have to do homework in tutor I know that most kids don't do homework in the two hours that I train every day.
Kate: Favourite athlete (past or present)?
Gemma: Ivy Spencer!
Kate: Any other favourites i.e food, music?
Gemma: Music is key when training I always have an empowerment playlist which gets my adrenaline going.
Kate: How are you managing to keep fit/train during Corona? Any tips for others?
Gemma: I would say make sure you tell yourself to train at a certain time, I train at 11 every morning and it means I can relax the rest of the day. I have definitely got stronger and faster during lockdown but I'm itching to see people!