Bailey Wright is part of a group of bright young sprinters all making their mark with Eastbourne Rovers. He has won numerous Sussex County Champs’ titles, broken records and as an Under 20 in 2019 was ranked 7th in the country for the 100m.
Kate Matthews caught up with Bailey to chat about his background in the sport, training and how he is dealing with changes following isolation and Coronavirus.
Kate: Who are you?
Bailey: I am 19 years old living in Eastbourne studying physiotherapy at the University of Brighton. I run for Eastbourne Rovers and I am coached by Sue Keen (track) and Daniel Sheppard (Bodifix strength and conditioning). I compete in the 100m and 200m.
Kate: What are your favourite distances/disciplines? And why?
Bailey: It has to be the sprints for me, the times being run with multiple athletes being so close together time wise makes it difficult to call races. The excitement on the line paired with my mum screaming at whoever is running creates a great atmosphere.
Pole vault is always a good one to watch too, although I’m still not sure how someone has the guts to attempt it for the first time?
Kate: How did you get into athletics?
Bailey: I’ve always loved sports, I played football years ago and then some rugby for the school as well as the odd bit of skateboarding but started athletics properly in December 2015 when I was in year 10, I tended to stick mostly to the 100m partly due to the fact that I’d have to lay down after each 200m (I’ve only just started being able to stand and hold a conversation after running them) and if my coach Sue had her way I think I’d be running the occasional 400m as well but that’s something I try not to think about.
Kate: What has kept you in it?
Bailey: The friendship I have with those I train and compete with, the sportsmanship, enjoyment and drive to achieve faster times. I think as well, knowing that there will be hard times with injuries and not meeting my own expectations but that all the work to come out the other side and that ‘PB feeling’ makes it so worth it
Kate: Most proud athletics moment?
Bailey: I think it would have to be between being invited to compete at my first British Championships in 2018 or perhaps breaking the under 20 100m county championship record.
Kate: Toughest moment?
Bailey: I would say dealing with a string of on and off injuries in 2018 and the first few months of 2019. Getting up to fitness then having a flare up and having to stop again is draining, and knowing you are able to run faster than you have been makes it even more frustrating as well as the want to come back sooner than you should. The mental and physical side of injuries is tough but I have been lucky to have my coaches who worked extremely hard to get me back to full fitness.
Kate: How often do you train?
Bailey: Between 5 and 6 times a week, track sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and S&C/ gym sessions on Monday Wednesday and Friday. However, I try to listen to my body and if I need an extra day of recovery every so often I’ll take it.
Kate: Have you had any bad injuries and how did you deal with these?
Bailey: Not necessarily ‘bad’ injuries, just the standard hamstring, adductor and quadricep niggles that can keep coming back if you don’t rest for long enough. It was a real learning curve at first but for me it’s all about having patience and knowing you will come back stronger, using the time where I wasn’t training for study or other hobbies took my mind off of things and stopped the pressure I would have otherwise put on myself to get back.
Kate: Other than actual achievements what has being part of athletics brought to your life?
Bailey: Lots of friends around the country, amazing experiences and so much excitement. Many opportunities that I didn’t know existed or thought I would ever get to be involved in.
Kate: Strange story?
Bailey: I was competing at Lee Valley where the heats for the 60m were early in the morning, we left my house in good time allowing for an extra hour on how long it would normally take to get there. Turns out there was an accident and what would normally be roughly a 2 hour journey ended up taking 4+ hours. Because of this, my warm up consisted of the run from the car, through registration and to the call room with the odd skip in between, for reference my warm up normally takes about 45 minutes. I managed to get through the heat, semi and finish 2nd in the final but I’d have to say the journey to the venue ended up being much more stressful than the competition. As a result we now leave even earlier to get to competitions so if you see me at an event 2 hours before its due to start you now know why.
Kate: How do you juggle training/competitions around uni?
Bailey: My course at uni can be quite heavy and training most days can make it tough, however I’ve gotten used to it now. I know a lot of people use schedules but I feel that puts pressure on me to be doing certain things at certain times. For me, it’s a case of working around each day making sure I’m doing some studying/other work/ training wherever it fits in. I always make sure not to leave uni work till the last minute as well and that has been a massive help.
Kate: Favourite athlete (past or present)?
Bailey: Other than Usain Bolt it would probably be between Adam Gemili or Dina Asher Smith. The way they handle themselves and how act so humble is great to see. All 3 of them have so much personality and are great athletes
Kate: Any other favourites?
Bailey: There’s a takeaway near me that does an amazing BBQ burger that is perfect for that occasional binge.
Music wise I really like house music, Disclosure would probably have to be my favourite artists/ duo at the moment.
Kate: How are you managing to keep fit/train during Corona?
Bailey: It’s really tough to train like normal, so just trying to maintain fitness and working with what I’ve got have been key, this period is a great time to now work on weaknesses or areas ready for next year.