Ayr Advertiser | News | Bruised and battered by TV's Gladiators

Saturday, 11th October, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 13th May, 2008 10:30

Bruised and battered by TV's Gladiators

By Roisin McGroarty

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A teacher struggled through gruelling physical injuries to be a Gladiators contender.

PE instructor Carly Whittle, 22, managed to bag a place on Sky One’s new version of the show which was screened on Sunday night.

However the Ayr Academy teacher and Troon resident was plagued with severe injuries in the run-up to filming and only knew she was physically able to take the challenge two days before.

Speaking about the show, Carly said: “It was a great experience and I am so happy I done it but I was just injured the whole time.

“I’ve a previous hamstring injury and we train eight days before filming for all the contenders - on the second day I went over on my ankle and was on crutches so I missed a full-day of training.

“At one point I didn’t think I was going to make it at all with my hamstring and ankle, and on the night my leg was bandaged up. My dad was even a bit unsure about whether I could do it, he didn’t even book his flights until two days before because it was so touch and go.

“Even though I didn’t win I really enjoyed it, these things are really down my street as I’m a very physical person.”

Carly, son of former Olympic athlete Brian, was chosen to be one of 16 contenders from over 20,000 applicants after taking part in a series of gruelling auditions and tough challenges but she has always been super-fit, running 300m and 400m in the Scottish schools athletic, playing netball for Scotland and hockey for Troon ladies.

The teacher has been bowled over by support from pupils and friends. She said: “On Monday morning I came into school early but some of the kids who are in early saw me and were congratulating me. I’ve had a few singing the Gladiators song and getting lots of text messages from friends saying it was great. My dad is really proud.

“I still think I managed to put in a good show and I’m not blaming my injuries for anything. I might have finished the same if I was fine but if I did it again I would have do the Eliminator differently - when I saw it on TV I realised where I went wrong.”