Animal rescue career is dream for former Olympian

Olympic shot putter Sophie McKinna says she gets to "live out" her dream of working with animals

A former Olympian has swapped throwing shot puts for tennis balls after embarking on her "dream" career at an animal rescue centre.

Sophie McKinna from Bradwell, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, joined Snetterton Dogs Trust Centre at the beginning of the year after she sustained an injury.

Since joining the team, she has adopted two dogs of her own and says that aside from sport she gets to "live out my other dream every day".

"Being a shot putter, people think I'm really big and rufty tufty, but my second biggest love outside of sport is animals, particularly dogs," she said.

McKinna was a six-time national shot put champion and represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

She missed part of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery for a serious elbow injury and applied for the job during her treatment.

Sophie McKinna represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

She says her Olympic throwing skills have come in handy trying to keep the dogs exercised and entertained.

"We have a big paddock area out the back and there have been a couple of times when I have overthrown and cleared the paddock area with their tennis balls - and the dogs look a bit bemused because they can't get to them," she said.

"I have had to learn to ease my throws when I'm throwing tennis balls for the dogs but I absolutely love it, I am really living the dream."

• LISTEN: Sophie McKinna on her dream career change

There are currently 64 dogs in Snetterton's care and some of the animals have been brought in for rehoming due to financial, relationship or family issues.

"The best thing is always bring them to a charity or a centre... we care for all the dogs here, they are fed, walked, exercised and trained everyday until they can find that forever home," she added.

Since she has started working at the Dogs Trust, she has adopted two dogs of her own but says she has to "hold off for a little while now", while she trains her new puppy.

"All of these dogs are fantastic and do need a home, puppies are really cute and they are great - we all love puppies but they are super hard work," she said.

"Kennels are great - they are looked after, they have everything they need here, but there is never a substitute for a loving home."