30m mural of Katarina Johnson-Thompson unveiled in her honour

World heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was seen in her home city of Liverpool watching the unveiling of a mural in her honour.

The 30-metre by 10-metre artwork stands on Liverpool’s Dale Street, next to local favourite The Excelsior pub, a prime spot for passers-by.

It shows her hurdling on the sports track, fuelled by words of encouragement such as ‘progress not perfection’ and ‘never give up’, after research of 2,000 adults found these phrases power people in achieving their goals.

Celebrated local artist Paul Curtis took three weeks to complete the piece commissioned by British Gas, forming part of its programme to drive positive change in local communities, promoting sustainable energy use and supporting communities through sport.

Speaking about the painting and what it depicts, Katarina Johnson-Thompson said: “The positive energy from my supporters has always spurred me on and inspired me, this celebratory mural in my hometown that brings this to life in such an impactful way is amazing to see.”

The mural comes as the study by British Gas showed 72 per cent admit they have struggled to find the drive to get more active.

With top barriers holding them back including a lack of motivation, fatigue, time constraints – or simply being stuck in a rut.

Johnson-Thompson said: “Motivational words help to keep you going as an athlete.

"I’ve been lucky enough to have been surrounded by people in my career who have my back and who have given me so much positive encouragement to spur me on.

“Positive words of motivation from others improves your outlook – and could even better your performance.”

There to meet the heptathlete was a group of local children brought along by Liverpool Football Club Foundation, which provides life changing opportunities for young people and their families and for whom Johnson-Thompson is an ambassador.

This comes as 83 per cent of those polled agree that it’s important to inspire and encourage children and young adults to take up a sport.

The research also found that to keep motivated, one in four use the phrase ‘one day at a time’ to get active and stay on track.

While 23 per cent remind themselves that any progress is good progress, and 15 per cent strive for progress, not perfection.

Those polled, via OnePoll.com, said receiving words of encouragement is the most effective method of motivating someone (41 per cent), followed by setting clear goals and being surrounded by a supportive environment (both 31 per cent).

However, respondents said the least effective methods of motivation were those based on fear (six per cent) and receiving brutal honesty - even if it’s not what you wanted to hear (12 per cent).

Performance psychologist Katie Mobed, who has coached Olympic champions, educational leaders, and world record holders, added: “Any professional athlete will tell you that the support they get from the crowd gives them a huge boost.