Epsom's class track master Jessie Knight believes her sensational women's 400m victory at müller Indoor Grand Prix World Athletics Indoor Tour in Glasgow last Saturday can inspire her pupils at Danetree Primary School to take up the sport, writes Ziad Chaudry.

 

The 25-year-old toppled current world indoor tour leader from Holland Lisanne De Witte, Poland's European champion Justyna Swiety-Ersetic and 2014 Commonwealth Games Stephenie Ann McPherson to clock 51.57 in front of a sold out Emirate Arena crowd.

 

And Knight's gamble when she took control of proceedings after 150m eventually paid off.

 

"I had four world finalists in that race and I didn't even make the world's last year!," she said.

 

"All week I've been pretty nervous when the start lists came out because they are great girls so I literately just thought lets see what happens. 

 

"I got to the break first and that wasn't the plan so I just went for it and prowled. I've always hear athletes say the crowd got me round  I've never experienced for myself.

 

"I said to myself I'll not lose this race so I feel quite emotional. I don't think it sunk in, it's been a real hard graft."

 

Good old Miss Knight will definitely be getting a huge cheer from her colleagues and pupils when she resumes teaching duties at the Epsom-based school.

 

"I always show them my races but they are never on BBC usually," Knight continued. "They were all were watching so they must have been so excited.

 

"I just honestly hope I can inspire the kids because school has changed my life. I just want to encourage as many children as possible to start athletics and to enjoy it."

 

Last Saturday's performance has very much given Knight plenty to go for in the forthcoming outdoor season. Qualifying for European Championships in Paris, France is a must and so now is Tokyo Olympics.

 

"My aim this season has been Europeans," Knight explains. "I've always had on the back of my mind the Olympics - who knows. But now I want it, I really want it. If it doesn't happen it doesn't matter but it's within my reach if I can keep going. It's very exciting times to come."

 

Meanwhile Knight goes back to Glasgow this weekend where she will be attempting to capture the British Indoor women's 400m mantle.

 

"I've got the British championships is weekend and then I think I just need to calm down and get back to do some hard work at Sutton Arena athletics track."