Cram, Coe, Ovett...McLaughlin?
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| 2013 is only the beginning: McLaughlin after his UK junior indoor record in Ireland. |
Matthew thank you for taking part in our feature OnTracktoRio tell our readers about yourself?
Thank you for having me! I'm from North London and I turned 18 in december of last year. I've been involved in sport since I can remember. I played for the Tottenham youth football squad at age 11-12 and also tennis from 12-14. I won the county champs U13 and was training at the high performance squad at Gosling Centre, Hertfordshire. I went to Mill Hill County High School, NW London. It was a great school and I enjoyed it, possibly because I spent most of my time getting up to no good with my friends! But my P.E teacher thought I should try doing some track training and see what I can do. I went down to the local track and began training with a group down there and here i am now!
What have you achieved on the Track in the so many years you have been involved with athletics? What do you regard as your greatest achievement from that?
I run the 800m, 1500m and the mile. My greatest achievement on the track was in Ireland where I ran a British record over the 1500m indoors (3:42.87) and also beating some senior international runners from different countries.
What have you achieved on the Track in the so many years you have been involved with athletics? What do you regard as your greatest achievement from that?
I run the 800m, 1500m and the mile. My greatest achievement on the track was in Ireland where I ran a British record over the 1500m indoors (3:42.87) and also beating some senior international runners from different countries.
What would you say makes you different from athletes that has got you to the standard you are today?
For me my key attribute is despite being skinny, I'm very quick over 100m and 200m which is why my finish in races is what sets me apart.
For me my key attribute is despite being skinny, I'm very quick over 100m and 200m which is why my finish in races is what sets me apart.
How would you improve the sport to appeal to more people?
I would improve track and field by having more support systems for young athletes to keep them dedicated to the sport. In my opinion the 'make or break' years are between 14-17 and its a shame to see talented youngsters not bring it through to the senior stages.
I would improve track and field by having more support systems for young athletes to keep them dedicated to the sport. In my opinion the 'make or break' years are between 14-17 and its a shame to see talented youngsters not bring it through to the senior stages.
What do you do outside of the Track?
I currently am a full time athlete. Luckily I have financial support from my sponsor JJ Roofing (a local roofing company) who help me a lot. I enjoy chilling with my mates when I'm not training. None of my friends do sport so its nice to get away from running and do other things when I'm not training.
At the age of 18 do you see Rio as an aim in your career and what would be a realistic achievement there if so?
I see Rio as an achievable goal as long as I keep up what I'm doing anything is possible.
Who has been your idol on the Track and how have they inspired you?
My idols on the track have Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram our countries best ever middle distance runners. I've enjoyed watching their races since I was young before I even started running.
Finally if there was a message you could give to upcoming athletes to inspire them what would it be?
My message to young upcoming athletes is just to enjoy what you're doing. Running is a fun sport. Always do what makes you happy!
I currently am a full time athlete. Luckily I have financial support from my sponsor JJ Roofing (a local roofing company) who help me a lot. I enjoy chilling with my mates when I'm not training. None of my friends do sport so its nice to get away from running and do other things when I'm not training.
At the age of 18 do you see Rio as an aim in your career and what would be a realistic achievement there if so?
I see Rio as an achievable goal as long as I keep up what I'm doing anything is possible.
Who has been your idol on the Track and how have they inspired you?
My idols on the track have Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram our countries best ever middle distance runners. I've enjoyed watching their races since I was young before I even started running.
Finally if there was a message you could give to upcoming athletes to inspire them what would it be?
My message to young upcoming athletes is just to enjoy what you're doing. Running is a fun sport. Always do what makes you happy!
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