BY LEE MAGINNIS

One to Watch. 
Catching up with young North Down AC 400m star can prove very difficult on the track. Thankfully she slowed down long enough to give us an insight into her training, studies and busy schedule as an athlete. 

When did you start competing? 

I joined North Down at the end of P7 so my first  competition was the summer of 2013 

Do you do any other sports? 

I used to play a lot of hockey with school, which I really enjoyed. 

Who is your coach? 

I’m coached by Michael Roberts. I also do some technical work and gym with Amy Foster 

What is your main event? 

The 400m is my main event. I sometimes drop down to the 200m. 

Do you train in a group or alone?

I usually train with one other girl 

What do you hope to study and where? 

Im studying Pharmaceutical Science at Queens in Belfast 

What are your targets for the season? 

I only have a few competitions left this year that im targeting. I’m hoping to run well at Irish Universities and want to try to break the Queens outdoor 400m record. 

Any sporting heros? 

Probably Alison Felix, coming back from a hard pregnancy is very inspiring, and she makes the 400 look so effortless and easy  

What are your favourite foods? 
I enjoy stir fry’s, but my favourite food is definitely chocolate

Other interests? 

Since we’ve had all this good weather I’ve been enjoying spending time at the beach trying kayaking and cliff jumping. 

What are your major achievements to date? 

My best achievement is probably anchoring the Irish U20 4x400m team to a tight 5th place at the European U20 Championships
What are your PBs? 

My pb in the 400m is 55.17 

What are your long term aims?

I would like to qualify for the commonwealth games in 2026 and to be selected for the Irish senior 4x400m relay panel.