IT'S eight years since Diane Modahl hung up her spikes.

But there's a new girl in the starting blocks - the former Commonwealth 800m champion's daughter.

Imani Modahl, 12, recently became a member of her mum's old club, Sale Harriers Manchester.

And she could become a familiar figure on UK tracks now that the family have decided to return from Norway.

Indeed, having left Britain four years ago as a mother of one, Diane, 41, is now also the proud parent to 18-month-old Gisella and three-month-old Georgia.

Imani - whose name means 'hope' in Swahili - looks destined to follow Diane and husband Vicente into track and field.

"Vicente and I were talking recently and couldn't believe it was 18 years since we met," Diane said.

"Now we've got a 12-year-old daughter who is out running with us.

"We've not pushed or consciously encouraged her to get into athletics.

"But she's been travelling around with us since she was six months old.

Active

"And sport is important for us.

"We think it's important to be active, especially with the drive in this country to reduce obesity among children.

"We support that 100 per cent. So, we will support and encourage her to become involved in sport.

"Whether that's going to be in athletics or any other sport, we don't know yet.

"She is already a very good skier, enjoys tap dancing and is also into in line skating.

"We're happy for her to be the best she can be at whatever she chooses."

When the Modahls return home later this summer, they won't be coming back to Manchester.

They're buying a property in Devon to help establish and expand their new business.

"We're coming to launch our own fashion brand," Diane said.

"It's not so much athletics gear but more surf and beach wear.

"Our slogan is `Your limits, Your terms.' It's all about doing what you want to do and pushing yourself to your own levels.

"And that's our philosophy to sport."

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