Competing in athletics for just a year, Savannah Marshall is a T37 athlete, a classification for disability athletics in track and jump events.
She has been treated at Bassetlaw Hospital for Cerebral Palsy since infancy.
Savannah said: “I want to win. When I’m running it feels exciting and joyful.
“I enjoy meeting new people at the competitions, and I want to keep improving my running and my long jump.”
To date, Savannah has competed in two national disability competitions, taking home a total of four golds, one silver and one bronze and regularly competes against individuals three or four years older than her.
Savannah’s Mum, Cheriene, said: “Savannah is very tenacious and highly competitive. No hurdle is ever too high for her.”
Savannah follows in the footsteps of her twin sister Xena, three minutes older and skilled in field events. The pair share a rare condition, Cranial Cynastosis, making them the only twins in the world with this diagnosis.
In September this year, Savannah entered the Cerebral Palsy Championships in Coventry, winning gold in her three events: 100m, 200m and long jump.
She is currently ranked number one in the country for 200m and number three in the country for 100m.
Cheriene said: “I was elated, this girl really can.
“What she has achieved and continues to achieve is mind blowing.
“Savannah has one goal and that is to be part of the Para Olympic Team.”
Vicki Sykes, Savannah’s Paediatric Physiotherapist since she was a one-year old, explained the joy of watching her flourish as an athlete and young woman.
She said: “It has been a pleasure to watch Savannah’s personality grow as she has become a mature and confident young lady. She takes everything in her stride and shows so much resilience in all she does.
“My colleagues and I are so proud, and I am hoping she will be wearing the GB tracksuits in the Para Olympic games in years to come.”
The team at Bassetlaw has supported Savannah through key transitions, from nursery to primary school, and most recently to secondary school.
She follows a personalised exercise program with stretching, strengthening, orthotics, and gait re-education.
Cheriene said: “We have an amazing relationship with all the hospital teams, Savannah trusts them. They treat her as an individual, not just a diagnosis.”
As parents, they strove to instil the girls with confidence and resilience, explained Cheriene.
She said: “The word ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary. We say go for it, reach for that goal and see where you land.”
Healthcare professionals have told Savannah’s family that her competitiveness has been key to overcoming the challenges of Cerebral Palsy, Cheriene explained.
She said: “We were told she wouldn’t walk, speak, or learn. Savannah has done all three and continues to strive. We are super proud.”
“Savannah finds it difficult to speak of her ‘naughty arm’ or ‘naughty leg’ that sometimes doesn’t do as it’s told.”
“Sometimes it can take a little longer to do something, but that’s okay.”
Earlier this year, Savannah saw Katrina Johnson-Thompson, an Olympic heptathlete and indoor pentathlete, training at Loughborough where the UK Athletics team are based.
Cheriene said: “Savannah was in total awe. To be alongside these athletes is so inspiring.”
Savannah recently started secondary school but balances her education alongside training three times a week with ease, explained Cheriene.
She said: “Nothing phases Savannah. Her school, Retford Oaks Academy School, are right behind her and have been super supportive, always celebrating her successes.”
