Dame Kelly Holmes Visits Aspiring Soldiers In Yorkshire

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes has visited aspiring soldiers to help motivate them with her success.

Dame Kelly, who has served in the Women's Royal Army Corps, visited the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

She gave an inspiring speech to the youngsters, aged 16-17, who are undergoing initial military training.

"I was a care home kid... it doesn't define me, it's actually part of me because it's given me an extra strength of character," she told the young soldiers.

Budding soldier Elle said Ms Holmes was an "inspirational woman".

"She's achieved so much in her life, it's mad how she went from being 14 and just having those dreams to achieving them all just through will."

Aidan, another young soldier, said: "Succeeding in that career is phenomenal. 

"I held her medals today, it was like a new experience for me."

Dame Kelly was then given a tour of the college which is a one-of-its-kind in the British Army - training 1,500 16 to 17-year-olds every year.

The college has faced criticism with concerns the teenagers are starting the military training at too young of an age.

However, the Dame said she believes it is good for the youngsters.

"Every young person should be given the opportunity to come to a facility like this," she told Forces News.

"You learn so much about yourself - I joined the Army when I was 17 [and] 11 months, if I had this available to me, I would've definitely come when I was 16, without a doubt."

Last year, Dame Kelly was made an Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps - the only person to be given that title for a regular unit and the only Dame ever to hold it.

"The Army days were a massive part of me then, and also a massive part of me now," Ms Holmes said.

"When you look at the values about respect, discipline, courage, they're things that I've taken into my athletics career as an international athlete and also into my business career now.

"For me, it was a great grounding.

"I absolutely loved my [Army] career, I was in for nearly 10 years - I think it was the beginning of me and a massive part of me now."

Dame Kelly's visit to the Army Foundation College comes as she begins a tour around all 14 of the Royal Armoured Corps units.