The record-breaking Welsh teenager who has wasted little time in making a giant impression in relation to the 400m
In 2009, Jodie Williams etched her identify into the document books by setting a British under-17 indoor 400m mark of 54.95. On the time, the athlete who would finally succeed her on the prime of the listing hadn’t even been born.
Quick ahead to Birmingham in February of this yr, and 15-year-old Darcy Coslett rewrote historical past. On the British Indoor Championships, the younger Welsh sprinter shocked spectators by working 54.50 in her warmth. She completed second behind her position mannequin, Amber Anning, and superior to her first ever senior semi-final. The Welsh Indoor 400m under-20 champion continued to impress the next day, too, as she additionally made the 200m semi-finals with 24.61.
Having simply turned 16, the Llanelli athlete remains to be wrapping her head round what she has achieved – particularly since she solely started racing the 400m a yr in the past. Now, with a nationwide document underneath her belt and a style of senior-level competitors, she has been pushing even tougher on a coaching camp in Portugal along with her sights set on the out of doors season.
How did you first get into athletics?
I used to play loads of soccer after I was youthful and I performed on the wing as a result of I used to be actually quick. I liked working in class sports activities as nicely so it was steered I ought to be a part of the native athletics membership, Llanelli, and I liked it.
There was a run, leap and throw programme and I wasn’t superb on the throwing and leaping, however I liked the working, so I stored on going from there.
How did that transition into racing over 400m?
I used to do loads of the 75m and 150m races after I was youthful, however I most well-liked the 150m as a result of I appreciated the longer sprints. Once I received older, I did the 200m and the 300m and I liked it so I gave the 400m a go for the primary time final yr and it was very painful, however loads of enjoyable.
I am not sufficiently old to race 400m at my age degree but as a result of I am nonetheless within the under-17s class, so I simply do just a few right here and there, but it surely’s my favorite occasion.
What was it prefer to race on the British Indoor Championships?
The environment was one thing I would by no means skilled earlier than. Once you stroll out into the group, it’s totally loud, but it surely was so motivating and to be in the identical warmth as Amber Anning was unimaginable. Within the first 200m she went off exhausting after which, as I got here across the final bend, she was clearly easing up as a result of it was simply the warmth, however that actually helped pull me round and it was so inspiring.
I used to be very nervous, particularly when the tv digicam got here round as a result of it was my first time on digicam but it surely was truly fairly enjoyable.
When did you realise you had damaged the British under-17 indoor 400m document?
Main as much as that competitors, I used to be undoubtedly aiming for the document, as a result of I had run some shut instances however, crossing the road… Amber crossed first and I simply noticed 54.31 [Anning’s time] flash up and I simply knew it, I used to be shocked.
How did it really feel to interrupt the long-standing document?
At first, I did not realise how lengthy it had been standing for, after which after I noticed it on Instagram, I used to be shocked. The document has stood since 2009, earlier than I used to be even born. I used to be in much more shock as a result of it was Jodie Williams’ document and he or she is such an unimaginable athlete.
Who else do you look as much as?
Once I first received into athletics, I liked watching Dina Asher-Smith. She was the primary athlete to essentially encourage me and get me into the game. I additionally love Laviai and Lina Nielsen. I really like following them on-line and I feel their content material could be very inspirational, particularly as a result of they do related occasions to me.
Nearer to dwelling, Hannah Brier is a giant position mannequin to me. She actually gives me with a lot help and assist.
What’s it prefer to signify Wales as a younger athlete?
I get loads of help from Wales. I am within the nationwide growth programme and lots of people from there actually allow you to and encourage you. It’s very good to get achievements from their help.
I’ve not too long ago been to Monte Gordo in Portugal with Welsh Athletics for a coaching camp. I went final yr and it’s such a tremendous expertise for younger athletes. We go for 10 days, it’s very exhausting but it surely’s a lot enjoyable and I get to fulfill so many unimaginable athletes from all around the world.
What would Darcy say to youthful Darcy when she first began working?
Work exhausting and luxuriate in every little thing you do and do not put an excessive amount of strain on your self.
