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INTERVIEW
‘Confidence is power’, British sprinter Daryll Neita tells us when asked about her work ethic. Her power in the industry is to be reckoned with. At 26, Daryll Neita has not only etched her name in the annals of British athletic history but has also emerged as a formidable force in elevating the nation's prowess on the global sporting stage.
Neita's journey has been shaped by the indomitable spirit instilled in her by her single mother. With each stride she takes towards the finish line, the excitement and significance of the moment reverberate through her very being. Every ounce of her heart and body is poured into every training session and competition she undertakes. And the results speak for themselves. Ranked as the second fastest female in the history of British athletics, Neita has soared to great heights. She proudly dons the title of British Champion in both the 100 and 200 meters, a testament to her unparalleled speed and prowess. Not content with conquering national grounds alone, Neita has also claimed Olympic bronze medals in both 2016 and 2022, along with silver medals in the 4 × 100 meters relay at the World Championships in 2017 and 2019.
We sat down with Daryll Neita, as she shares some behind-the-scene stories of her achievements and the passion behind what fuels her journey.
1. How would you describe your childhood and how has that led you to become the person you are today?
I had a very good childhood, it felt abundant. I was brought up by a single mum and although looking back now I can understand how difficult it must have been raising two children alone, she always did her best to help me discover new passions from dance, horse riding, judo etc. She did her best and never wanted me to miss out. Her bringing me up this way instilled a resilient mindset, showing me anything is possible and anything I want in life I can have as long as I work hard enough. Nothing is unachievable.
2. How did you discover your passion for running?
I started running as my family knew I had something special, they encouraged me from primary school to get into it.
However, my true passion began in 2012 during the London Olympics. Seeing the greatest sports stars perform and win medals only 10 minutes from home - the magnitude of the reaction and impact it had on the country and globally really put into context what the sport was about and what I could achieve in life.
3. What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your athleticism?
I would tell my younger self "Do not search for it, understand what I am looking for is already inside of me. Trust and believe my process".
4. Can you share with us your usual daily/weekly training routine?
My week consists of 3 days a week Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 2 sessions, a track session in the morning, and a weight session in the afternoon. From 10 am - 4 pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday consist of a running session in the morning.
Anything away from this is usually eating, sleeping or walking my chihuahua Melon.
5. Do you train differently when you are preparing for a competition?
In the winter months (October to January) we call this the winter training season. There is a lot of endurance running, maximum strength/power in the gym and very long training days to get ready for the 60m sprint indoor season.
February to April is another intense training block to get our bodies in the best shape to prepare us for the summer season. May to September is when the outdoor season begins so there are lots of travel days to different countries etc. Training days are adjusted accordingly.
I would tell my younger self "Do not search for it, understand what I am looking for is already inside of me. Trust and believe my process".
6. You are an incredibly successful athlete. For those young athletes looking to achieve the success you have today, how would you describe your work ethic and mindset during your journey?
The advice I would give to younger athletes is to focus on the end goal at all times and just enjoy the journey as there will always be obstacles, obstacles are like stairs they're meant to be climbed. Also, as long as you truly believe you can do something, you will achieve it. Confidence is power.
7. What do you hope to achieve next in your career?
My athletic goals for the upcoming seasons are to be on that podium individually. I also want the British sprint record, Britain’s fastest-ever woman is an amazing title, and I want it.
But I also aim to be more than just an athlete with fast times and medals. I want to represent possibilities. Showing young people, especially young black females from London, girls who look like me. They can achieve more in life, they can become someone if they stick to their goals and live with purpose. Have drive, and use your energy for positive outcomes, it can take you far. I’m passionate about the younger generation. I want to be an inspiration and show people that it's possible to have a career you love and a life you dream of.
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All imagery is provided by Storm Artist Management.
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