While most of us struggled our way through 'Couch to 5k' over lockdowns just because we were bored, for some the past year has been training time for the biggest sporting event of all: the Olympics. Originally set to happen last year, the spectacle was postponed due to the pandemic - but, after a year of uncertainty, delays and cancelled plans, Team GB{
But the athletes have been using the extra prep time to their advantage, and sprinter Laviai Nielsen now feels more ready than ever to stand at the starting line in Tokyo in new Team GB adidas apparel. Before they fly off, Grazia talks to Laviai all about her career so far, her inspirations, and what it's like having an identical twin sister [Lina] who also happens to be amazing at running.
How have you dealt with the Olympic delays, and how have the last twelve months been for you in terms of training?
It's been up and down. For the most part, it's been a very challenging period. But I think we've adapted and learnt from it, and it's been quite positive.
I think the hardest part was at the start when there was so much uncertainty. And we didn't know if the Olympics were going ahead, and I was still trying to train when I couldn't see my coach and facilities were shut. And then working out at home: that was a brand new experience. I really learned a lot about myself as an athlete.
Once I got back into competition last July, I realised that I was a much better athlete just because I've learned to really discipline myself more. I had to almost be self-coached for three months. I've been so grateful for the extra year. I think I would have been ready for 2020 anyway, but having an extra year to really work on my strength and bring my team closer together, even if it was over Zoom, has been great. Once I'm on the start line at Tokyo, it will just be so special having gone through everything.
Was there an experience that made you realise 'I want to do this.'
I've always enjoyed running for as long as I can remember. I am very, very close with my twin sister. And we were in school, at about eight years old, when we saw a track for the first time. And we just jumped in as soon as we could, and just tried to run as many laps as we could, so that was long distance running.
We only really started sprinting when we were about 17 or 18 years old. And that's when we realised that maybe this is where our talent lies. That's when we started training really seriously and committing our time entirely to training. It's just been such an incredible journey and we are just loving where we are right now
What’s it like having a sister who is also successful in sport? How do you encourage each other?
We're competitive, but I always describe it as a healthy competitiveness: we're very, very supportive of each other. You know, I would want to be successful for myself, but at the same time, I also want my sister to be successful. And it really helps that we're in different events, which are quite similar. So I run the 400m and my sister runs the 400m with hurdles. When we train, it can be quite similar sometimes, but when it comes to racing, she's got her own event, and I've got my own event. And we always comes together for the relay, which is really incredible. But we actually train separately - even though we live together - so it's nice to go about our own days, and then come together and share our experiences.
Who are your sporting heroes?
My absolute hero is Serena Williams, I think she's such an incredible and powerful woman. Not just on the court, but also in her personal life. She's the kind of woman that I envision to be. And then, within the sport, Jessica Ennis-Hillis is the perfect example of overcoming adversity. To miss out on the 2008 Olympics and then come back four years later, and win a gold medal on home turf, is such an incredible story
How have you stayed resolute in your pursuit of success?
It's been great over lockdown, because no-one else has been able to go out! When I started uni, I wouldn't say I was a very good athlete. I was just above average, so that was that was a bit easier to navigate. But as you get through the years, and you go through more competitions, and you start to become more successful, the success draws you in more than any other distraction. I've always been passionate about training and competing, and you get some incredible opportunities to travel the world and meet new people, so I never feel like I'm missing out,
How does the idea of fame sit with you?
I think it's all positive. I think I immediately realised as soon as I was competing on the world stage that I'd been noticed a bit. I've always felt a little bit of a responsibility to be an inspiration. When I was younger, Instagram was just about coming around, so I would have given anything to just be able to drop Jessica Ennis-Hill a message.
I get loads of messages from young girls who want tips on nutrition and competing and training. And I always reply. It takes a while sometimes, but I just think we do have an amazing platform to be able to share stories and tips and advice.
What would your advice be for the young people watching you from home who think 'I want that.'
I always say try and find something that you enjoy, it's so much easier to dedicate your time on something that you're passionate about. I mentioned earlier that we came from long distance, but I never really wanted to train for that. It was only once I found the 400 that it became really fun to train and challenge myself.
Also find someone you can do it with - I know it's a lot more difficult now we're in a pandemic - but even if it's challenges with someone over FaceTime or over text messages, it just helps to keep you accountable.
The adidas Team GB apparel is available at www.adidas.co.uk/teamgb
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