JULIE knew that this was going to be the hardest test on her para-sport journey.

Her disability means that her muscles are very tight making the jumping movement a real challenge.

But, despite this, Julie's hopes were high and, although the nerves were showing, nothing was going to stop the Evening Times' para sports champion giving it her best shot.

Indoors at Scotstoun Stadium, Julie started her training with a running warm up, guided by former Scotland long jumper Darren Ritchie.

With his longest jump measuring eight metres, Julie was in good hands, as she listened to his advice before her first attempt.

And it was a leap of faith that ended with a face full of sand but, as always, Julie came up smiling.

Nicola Tennant, Julie's physiotherapist, explained that this sport is particularly difficult for Julie because people with cerebral palsy have shorter, tighter muscles which make the jumping movement difficult.

Nicola said: "It was extremely difficult because Julie can run but she does not have a smooth running action.

"Coordination is an issue when she's running and to jump is very hard.

"The muscle cells are laid down differently so they can't generate the same amount of power. They don't act efficiently so they can't generate the power and for her to jump on one leg is a huge ask."

But, Julie was determined, chatting to Nicola and Darren about the best ways to improve her jumping motion.

Darren asked Julie to jump from a standing position at the side of the sandpit. He helped her propel forward to land, two-footed, in a comfortable position.

Soon Julie was jumping confidently into the sand, and Darren said this confidence was the key to Julie improving.

Julie said: "What a challenge that was.

"It was really hard, I knew it was going to be my toughest sport, but I am determined to come back in a few months' time.

"People with celebral palsy or any disability have to train and start to create a story and I believe that you can overcome your disability if you put in the training and just make a simple difference in your muscle strength.

"I so want to master the long jump and I am determined to remain committed to training hard and, hopefully, I will be back to take the next step forward in my long jump journey."

NATIONAL Power Speed Coach Darren, 27, competed in Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games, missing a medal by 1cm.

He now coaches able-bodied athletes, many of whom are gearing up for Glasgow 2014.

Darren told Julie: "It is about confidence and at the end you were quite confident to land two-footed and then fall into the pit and I think that would be a really good strategy to move forward.

"Some of exercises we have done were difficult so it is recognising that it is going to be hard, but I think the benefits will outweigh the difficulty.

"I think your increased control and your strength through the muscle groups will help you function better, so not only will you be able to perform the jump but you will be able to perform better on a day-to-day basis as well."

With the one year to go until the Games, Julie's challenge to complete the para-sports programme is hotting up.

She said: "It has been an epic journey on the para-sports quest so far and it has been thrilling to meet the people involved and try out the five sports ahead of Glasgow 2014.

"This journey has been a challenge however it really shows that disabled athletes are capable of achieving sporting success.

"I believe the integration of the para-sports into the main medal table will be welcomed with praise as able-bodied and disabled athletes all come together to unite, share and support everyone through 11 days of sporting spectacular.

"One year to go and I can't wait to see how the build-up enters its final stages. The magnitude of excitement and the realisation of the Commonwealth Games descending on Glasgow is one that the people of Glasgow should be proud of."

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk

SHE has already cycled across the boards at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and tested her skill at Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre.

But, now, disability campaigner Julie McElroy is facing her toughest task yet as she takes on her third challenge.

With just over a year to go until Glasgow 2014 makes good on its promise to deliver the Commonwealth Games' largest ever para-sports programme, we sent Julie, who has cerebral palsy, to try long jump. With 22 medal events in five disciplines, para-sports events will be fully integrated with able-bodied events.

Next, our 2011 Scotswoman Of The Year finalist will try out swimming and power lifting. MATTY SUTTON reports.