Niall Flannery

Q&A

• What does it mean to you being selected as a Lloyds TSB Local Hero? How will the Award help?

  It means a lot to be recognised due to my performances and the award will help me to pay for a warm weather training trip that I would not have otherwise been able to afford. It will also allow me to travel to certain events around the country that I have been unable to previously.

• How did you first get involved with your sport?

  I showed promise at school and enjoyed the sport, so joined Gateshead harriers at age 8 and have competed ever since.

• What are your three greatest achievements?

  1. 4th at European Junior Championships 2009 (400m hurdles).
  2. 4th at European Youth Olympic Festival 2007 (400m hurdles).
  3. 1st at World Schools Cup 2007 (300m hurdles) in under 17 and under 18 British record.

• Tell us about any challenges you have overcome to follow your sporting dream.

  I broke my foot in 2006 and was unable to train or compete, but when I had recovered from it, I trained harder and came back stronger.

• Do you have any family members who have achieved success in sport? If so, please provide some details below.

  My father was a national standard rower and my brother has competed for England at 800 metres and won the English Schools championships in 2005.

• What advice would you give to a young person considering taking up your sport? What would your top three tips be?

  1. Never give up on what you want.
  2. Always strive to achieve more.
  3. Do not allow any success to get to your head and remain level-headed.