Athletics helped Charlotte Henrich find her voice. 

Moving from France to England aged five left her alienated and low on confidence, as she struggled to learn a new language while suffering from dyslexia. 

However, the 400m runner’s life changed forever after she competed at an athletics event in Loughborough - a moment that has since led her to become a two-time Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist. 

"Athletics literally changed my whole life," the 17-year-old said. "I went to one competition in Loughborough, and I came back a completely different person. 

"I didn't have much confidence until I was 14 years old when I realised I was good at athletics. 

"When I first moved to England, I couldn't speak English and learning it was really hard, so it hurt my confidence. 

"I also have dyslexia which was horrible, my primary school was really small, and I felt like everybody was a lot better than me. 

"So, I used to go home and say, 'I can't do anything'." 

Quiet and full of self-doubt due to her academic struggles, it was the chance opportunity to attend a UK School Games event in Loughborough, aged 14, which Henrich states as the confidence boost she desperately needed. 

"When I got into grammar school, it was even harder because I was struggling with my writing, and everyone was faster than me. 

"I was trying really hard, doing loads of revision and it just would not work out. 

"But a few years ago, I went to an athletics event in Loughborough and found that I was really good at it, I was actually good at something. 

"It was a really big confidence boost, and now I feel like I can do anything." 

Henrich was part of the England mixed 4x400m relay team which came second in Trinbago, having also won a silver medal in the women's 400m race earlier in the week. 

Just one tenth of a second off gold, the music lover was over the moon with her individual performance after bringing the crowd to their feet in a thrilling dash for the line with Guyana's Tianna Springer. 

But she revealed that it was not a straightforward 12 months’ build-up on her way to double silver. 

"It is always a bit of a shambles with me, we never know what I am doing," she said. 

"My aim for this year was to make it to the Commonwealth Youth Games but my finishing times had just not been good enough. 

"So, I was like 'Oh my God, I can't do this'. 

"They let me in, and I just thanked the lord, I was really scared that I wouldn't be allowed to do it. 

"I didn't even think I would get to the final in Trinidad, so I was thrilled to get silver. 

"It was close on the line but I know that I gave it my all because I couldn't feel my legs, so I'm really happy." 

From dreading going to school to becoming a two-time Commonwealth Youth Games medallist, Trinbago 2023 capped a remarkable journey for Henrich off the track, from quiet child to talkative teenager. 

She said: "I have grown so much as a person; I can walk into any room and talk to anybody. 

"I just feel independent, whatever happens, I will always have those experiences with sport."