BECKY WHITE will set a shining example of sporting perseverance for pupils at St Joseph's Catholic College when she joins the school as head of girls' PE.

The teacher has battled injuries throughout her time as a competitive athlete, even switching events to stay on the fast track.

Becky, 27, started off as a sprinter - ranked third for under-20s in the country - before injuries took their toll.

Not to be defeated, she switched to the long and triple jump, winning both at the 2005 UK Challenge Final.

Now Becky, who hails from Lancashire, is nursing injuries from jumping so intends to return to her first love of sprinting.

"I got injured when I went to Boston University, in 1998, so had to give it up.

"I took up jumping in 1999. The year of 2005 was good for me as I jumped a long way - 6.22m in the long jump and 13.51m in the triple jump.

"My joints now need a break so I want to go back to sprinting.

Becky who used to teach PE at Wootton Bassett School, is excited about her move to St Joseph's.

"Being in charge of girl's PE offers more responsibility," she said.

"I like seeing the kids enjoying sport these days when there are so many problems with obesity.

"Sometimes children think they can't play hockey or football, but they can always try individual sports like badminton or dance.

"The school holidays have gone quickly but I'm ready to get started as I'm really looking forward to my new job."

Becky says she doesn't have a problem juggling her teaching career with intensive training. She is now looking for a sprinting coach.

Becky believes the transfer from jumping to running should go quite smoothly.

"At the minute I'm still quick as I've had plenty of practice running 30m before jumping but need to extend that to 100m.

"My goal is to run as fast as I can but I will start off with a few 60m indoors and take it from there."

Becky ran 100m in 11.45 seconds in 1998, which is her quickest time. She narrowly missed qualification for the Commonwealth Games.

She studied coach education and sports development at Bath University as well as gaining a postgraduate certificate in education.

She currently lives in Bristol but is planning to sell her house there and move to Swindon.

St Joseph's headteacher Peter Wells said he was thrilled Becky was joining his staff.

"We are delighted that she is joining us "I'm sure she will be an inspiration for all the students, and especially the girls."