Event: 100 metres
DOB: 14/5/90
Age: 20
Athletics is in your family, isn’t it?
Well, my dad, really. And my grandad used to do athletics, which I didn’t know until I was 15. It’s really inspiring to have someone who’s been there.
Was your dad the reason you got into athletics?
It was watching Darren Campbell in the Olympic Games winning a silver medal when I was 10. I thought, ‘Yes, this guy is world-class’ and I was inspired to try athletics. I moved to Essex when I was 12 and I started watching the Commonwealth Games and watching Darren Campbell win a medal at the 200m relay. When I was 13 I came third at my school championships in the 200m and in the summer holidays I watched Darren Campbell win the bronze in the 100m – Darren inspired me to do athletics.
In the past you said that when you become a senior athlete the fun stops!
Oh, yes – when I said that I was 17 and I didn’t know what it was like. When I made my GB debut back in 2007, people were saying ‘The pressure is on; you’re running for Great Britain, you’re a medal hope for us at the Youth Olympics,’ and I thought, ‘Wow, I’m the guy to watch out for!’ But now in the senior age group it’s a different level because you have to maintain your success. Back in 2009 I became the European Junior bronze medallist and I ran a good time of 10:37. When I moved up age group I realised that this is a big ball game and when I got injured I thought, ‘Wow, this is what it takes to be an elite athlete’. I know that moving to Loughborough University is going to help me with my mental focus and maturity as well.
What are you studying at Loughborough University?
I’m studying a higher national diploma, which is two years long and it’s a level four course. I’m going to finish with that qualification knowing that I want to turn professional in athletics and have a qualification behind me knowing that after athletics I can just help out with the sport.
What else do you think being at Loughborough University will do for you?
Being at Loughborough you see good athletes such as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – he’s one of the guys I watch because he’s done so much as a junior and now as a senior. When he recovered from injury he inspired me when he ran 10:10. When he did that, I thought, ‘Wow, this guy’s back!’ To see him at the track and say hello is really interesting.
Do you pick up tips from him?
Yes, I pick up little tips from him but he’s a busy guy and I am as well with my coursework. At the end of the day I want to know what to do and how to focus on athletics when I’m injured. Back in 2010 I missed half the season with an achilles tendon injury and I was so disappointed because I thought I was going to the Commonwealth Games. Instead I watched the Commonwealth Games and felt that I could have won a medal. Now it’s time to turn that into success in 2011 and the aim this year is the European under 23 Championships. I’ve medalled at two championships as a youth and as a junior and I want to do the under 23. After that I want to prove myself by being part of the relay squad in the 2012 Olympics, knowing that I’ve got a hope of being a part of history.
Have you played that moment in your head – standing on the podium and collecting a medal?
Yes, I had a dream once that I went to the Olympics and I won an Olympic gold medal – but it was in an event that I don’t feel is my discipline, the 200m! I feel that it’s an amazing dream to have but if it turns to reality it’ll be something I can tell my grandchildren in the future.