Tell me about your hero!
I don’t have one specific hero but I have many people sports people I look up to and aspire to be like, of course like any runner in Ireland I am inspired by Sonia O’Sullivan as well as Ciara Mageean, who I am lucky enough to have gotten to know over the last year or so. Outside of Ireland, my favourite athletes are Dina Asher-Smith, Christian Taylor and Emma Coburn as I love watching them compete and admire everything they do off the track also.
What’s your biggest fear?
My biggest fear in sport anyway is finishing my career feeling I didn’t reach my full potential and get the most out of myself that I possibly could. I guess this applies to many aspects of life, I think we should always strive to be our best selves and keep in mind that we will never know our full potential unless we start working towards achieving it.
Talk to me about your community and what they mean to you.
My community for me consists of my support system of friends, family and coaches. Everyone within this group only impacts on me positively and I always feel better after spending time with anyone within this group, this is a really important way for me to know who to spend time with.
What keeps you motivated?
The excitement of reaching my goals motivates me. Whenever I’m not in the mood to go for a run or dreading a painful last rep during a track session, I think of how amazing it will feel to reach my goals.
How did you get involved with the Sanctuary Runners and what made you want to donate to/work with that group specifically?
I had heard about Sanctuary Runners for over a year now and was immediately struck by how brilliant the idea behind it was. Running for me is a way of improving lives and helping people connect so I love that Sanctuary Runners does this for asylum seekers in Ireland. I wanted to help in some way and thought the best way possible was to donate shoes as I know how important but expensive it is to get the right running shoes. I am so happy I was able to do so and hope to get involved in some more of the groups activities in future.
Stay tuned to Nadia's Story as she races for Olympic qualification!
