Danielle has a dream
By TMX Archives on 24th Feb 10
THERE'S something special in the water in Silsden. Home to multiple World Champion Trial rider Dougie Lampkin, it's also home to double British Ladies Youth B Trial Champion, Danielle Whitham.
Determination, dedication, and motivation are all traits needed to succeed in sport and they're held in abundance by this teenager. Having been introduced to trials riding at age 11 by her dad, she describes her first ever bike as: "...an old knocker, very heavy and cheap – it only cost £180 off eBay.”
Danielle's aim this year is to get to retain her Ladies title in the more difficult Youth A class and compete in Europe. She said: I am determined to keep my title and am hoping to try a few Euro rounds this year with a view to competing in a full championship next year. I can then use that experience as a stepping stone to the World Championship. Mum and dad are great and provide fantastic support but to get to the next level we need help.”
Speaking of her motivations, Danielle said: I'm really lucky. I've been a member of the Yeadon Guiseley club since I started and have some fantastic mentors. People like James Dabill who is currently third in the World Indoor Championship along with Ben and Dan Hemingwaym who are Expert ridersm have both trained me.'' Danielle added, "I just want to beat the boys really, because they get really annoyed when a girl beats them. I don't need to gloat or be noisy about it – the results sheet does that for me!”
Danielle possesses a self-assured quality coupled with an inner steely core that only really shows itself when she talks about her desire to win. Rarely seen without a smile on her face, she's also modest and refreshingly honest.
Danielle's parents travel across the UK with her in a motorhome, and on weekends when Danielle is competing also becomes home to her younger sister Gaby aged nine. Gaby looks likely to follow in her big sister's footsteps having also been bitten by the trials bug. She's already beating the boys and winning Small-wheels events designed for her age group.
Paul Whitham, Danielle's dad, explains: We're out nearly every weekend whether it's a British Ladies Championship round or competing against the boys for Yeadon Guiseley Club at a regional round. Danielle is passionate about succeeding at trials riding and we're delighted she's found a sport that she loves. We first took Danielle horse riding but without a horse of her own that she could take cross country, she found riding round a ring just too boring. She suggested motor cross but we felt the speed element was too dangerous. Five years ago a family member let her have a go of his trials bike and with that, she was hooked and we haven't looked back.''
Amazingly, Danielle fits all of this in as well as playing for the Leeds United Academy where she has already been watched by the England team.
The last world has to go to Danielle: I love trial riding and playing for Leeds but don't get me wrong, I still love shopping too!