Event: 400 metres
DOB: 18/07/90
Age: 20
You like to eat fruit pastilles before a race – tell us about that!
Yes! It’s a strange superstition I picked up and then other people found it funny so I decided to go along with it. It gives me a bit of a boost. It’s part of my pre-race routine – it’s just really a reminder to get into the zone for a race.
Is there any particular flavour you like best?
I like anything green so green fruit pastilles are good!
You’re at Cambridge University – what are you studying there?
I’m studying architecture. I’m in my final year so it’s nearly finished but it’s really good.
Do you want to be an architect or an athlete?
I’d rather be an athlete. Trying to juggle training and athletics has made me realise that athletics is where my heart lies, in the short term at least.
Do you want to be an architect after a career in athletics?
I’m not sure, I love the subject so I wouldn’t say no but I just have to wait and see.
What do you consider your best achievement in athletics so far?
Probably the European Juniors in 2009 – I got a bronze medal in the 400m and a gold in the relay. It probably wasn’t my best ever race but in terms of race experience of championships and getting in the shape to run after a lot of injuries it was the best experience I could have at junior level.
Have you managed to stay injury-free recently?
Relatively, although you always have niggles.
How’s the last year been for you?
Not the best in terms of training due to all the commitments I try to juggle and injuries. But I’ve improved my PBs so I can’t complain at all, really. I’ve been learning about training and about how your body reacts to different sessions. It’s all part of the process.
What’s your plan for this year?
I’m hoping to go to the European under 23s and I’m aiming to medal there. I want to really get into the senior ranks and challenge the bigger names in my event whenever I get the chance to race them.
When you say bigger names, who do you mean?
People like Martyn Rooney [400m runner], I guess, and Andy Steele [400m runner], those types of people. I’ve raced them before, it’s not unusual, but I’d like to be a bit closer to them.
Is it daunting when you race them?
I don’t find it daunting.
How do you stay motivated?
I’m the kind of person that survives on stress so I quite like the challenge of competitions.
How do you cope with losing?
I guess you just have to put things in perspective and if you lose and you still achieve something that’s good but if you lost and you underperformed then you just have to accept it, learn from it and move on.
What do you do when you get some spare time?
I’m a big music fan. I love my music. I like Arcade Fire; I’m an absolute obsessive and spend way too much time and money on them. I watch lots of bands really – Animal Collective – lots of that kind of alternative music.
Any other pursuits – do you like films?
Yes, I like films but not really Hollywood stuff. Doing architecture most of my friends are artists so I usually like whatever they’re interested in.
In a year’s time what do you want to have achieved?
In a year’s time hopefully I’ll be in a really good position to get selected for 2012, I’d like to be a 45-second runner and be in a position where I know I can challenge for a spot on the Olympic team.
Is being in the Olympics something that you fantasise about?
Completely. I try not to get absorbed by it because there’s so many other things I want to achieve but it’s a real inspiration and whenever training’s difficult it’s the easiest thing to turn to and pick yourself up with.