What are you doing, and why did you start this journey?
I am a sprinter, and I started this journey quite simply because I found it really fun. I am really competitive and I love to run so being an elite sprinter is something quite natural for me.
Was there a light-bulb moment that encouraged you?
There have been many light bulb moments throughout my career that have motivated me, watching the London 2012 Olympics, medalling at my first World Championships in 2017 and becoming the worlds fastest teenager over 200m in 2017.
How did you make it happen?
I work very hard. It’s quite simple – do all that is asked of you, give 100% every time you come to training and believe in yourself throughout.
What obstacles have you faced?
So many, from missing qualifying times for teams when I was younger and therefore not going to Championships, to bigger injuries that threaten your season.
What’s the best bit of what you do? (There may be more than one…)
The best bit is honestly getting to call what I love my job. I love sprinting, I am a huge athletics fan and I feel so blessed that I get to run around the world and call it my job. Also the fact that I’ve made so many great friends from all around the world. Athletics is a truly global sport and I have the privilege of calling people from a range of cultures and backgrounds my friends.
Another of my best bits is standing on the podium at the end of the race with a medal around my neck. It's great to know all the months of hard work have paid off. I've been having Invisalign teeth straightening treatment to make sure I can smile with even more confidence whilst I’m doing something I love.
What everyday worries do you have?
I am a naturally positive person, and am lucky that I don’t have a great number of worries. As an athlete I am keen to take ownership of my concerns and address them directly if possible. For example, I had noticed that I wasn’t feeling as confident as I would like when I smiled, so I went to speak with my dentist. We agreed that Invisalign treatment to straighten my teeth would not only help increase my confidence in my smile, but, just as importantly not affect my training. I’m a few months in and I’m so pleased with how it’s going.
What’s the hardest part of what you do?
Dealing with failure and adversity. In sport you are definitely going to come across hardships and many challenges that seem insurmountable. The hardest part is definitely continuing to believe in yourself when the odds seem stacked against you.
What advice would you offer to anyone starting on a similar path?
Just go for it and make sure you’re enjoying whatever you do. You have nothing to lose, so work hard, be patient and believe in yourself.
What advice would you give your 16 year old self?
It would be to trust yourself more. You have everything you need within you just be more confident and don’t hold back.
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