Cameron Fillery came into the sport later than many, competing in his first full season as an Under 17. Since, the Sussex athlete has seen his athletic achievements soar. In 2019, in the 110mH, he won bronze at the European U23 Champs, silver at the British Champs, gold at the British U23 Champs and earlier this year took silver in the 60mH at the British Indoor Champs. Cameron holds the 110mH county record and tops the all-time Sussex ranking for the same distance. Kate Matthews caught up with him to chat about the sport, his training and dealing with changes following isolation and Coronavirus.
Kate: Who are you?
Cameron: I’m 21 years old and come from Saltdean. I'm currently based at Loughborough University, studying a BSc in Product design and technology, and training. I compete for Nike / Woodford Green and Essex ladies coached by Michael Baker but I started out as a Brighton and Hove AC athlete.
Kate: What are your favourite distances/disciplines?
Cameron: Obviously I have a bias towards the hurdles! But outside of that I would say hammer throw, 400m and 800m. Hammer has such an artwork to it which isn’t appreciated enough in the sport. For the running events, any event which causes athletes to run that fast with lactic in their legs calls for it to be exciting!
Kate: How did you get into athletics?
Cameron: As a kid I hated having to play cricket, I lack the focus required to stand out on a hot field for half a day. So, when the opportunity came to skip this I jumped on it. For me that was athletics and training down in Brighton at Withdean sports complex with my school. When I got there I just had a feeling I would be good at hurdles! I never really attempted any other event other than short hurdles mainly because I wasn’t good enough. However, I always back myself to drop a quick time over the 400H, but it is yet to happen…
Kate: What do you love/hate about the sport?
Cameron: There are a lot of things I hate about the sport, such as the pain you have to go through during cold rainy winter sessions. But at the end of the session that is the same reason I love the sport. The mental fortitude you have to produce for 2/3 of the year so that in the final 1/3 you can have success, it is a unique feeling to athletics and one I didn't find in any other sport growing up.
Kate: What has kept you in it? Have you had any breaks from it and come back?
Cameron: I still haven’t achieved what I want to achieve in the sport, become an Olympian. Each year I set new goals for the upcoming season. At some points throughout the year I always want to have a break from the sport. But when it comes to the competitive season and I achieve those goals I feel inspired to do the whole cycle year after year.
Kate: What is your most proud athletics' achievement moment?
Cameron: I’m most proud of my European U23 bronze medal. It was so special to me because of the position I was in two years prior. I missed out on reaching the final during my first GBJ vest in Grosseto. I found this really hard to deal with as I felt I should have achieved more. So I decided to work as hard as I possibly could in the build up to my next GB opportunity which paid off as I won my medal and went on to make a senior GB debut a few weeks later!
Kate: What has been the toughest moment?
Cameron: The toughest moment has been when one of my best friends, training partner and housemate chose to retire from athletics earlier this year. It was extremely hard to deal with and made me question my future in the sport. However, I have since found new reasons to love the sport and picked up motivation once again with my team around me.
Kate: How often do you train (in normal times) and what do you do?
Cameron: I tend to do a major training sessions Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. This will comprise of a running session either followed by circuits of weights but always topped off with core. On the other days, it will be some kind of supplementary training to keep myself in good shape and prepare for the following training session. It normally involves some stretching, hurdle drills and core of course, again!
Kate: Have you had any bad injuries and how did you deal with these?
Cameron: When I was younger I twisted my knee, so now the knee cap faces inwards! Fortunately for me it’s my trail leg which makes it easier to get over the hurdles. I think I’m a very lucky that I've rarely had a serious injury. I make sensible decisions along with my coach to not push things if my body is telling me something is wrong.
Kate: Other than actual achievements/PBs, what has being part of athletics brought to your life?
Cameron: It’s obviously brought a level of structure to my life and organisation. Sometimes having a lack of time available to me, because of training actually makes me way more productive and means I do more with the amount of time I do have. Athletics has also given me a whole new community amongst other athletes, which I love.
Kate: Best athletics memory?
Cameron: The first time I threw up at training! Weirdly a really great feeling and it gave me a sense of achievement even if I did feel like I was about to pass out.
Kate: Weirdest athletics memory?
Cameron: Running 14.08s in the 110H four times in a season during all different types of weather conditions.
Kate: What would you say to younger people wanting to get started?
Cameron: Try out a bit of everything. Athletics is such a diverse sport that if you don’t like one event then there are plenty of others to choose from.
Kate: What would you change about the sport?
Cameron: Try to exhibit the athletes more by showing the public just how elite they are.
Kate: How do you juggle training/competitions around uni?
Cameron: Luckily Loughborough University allowed me to split my year over two so that it is easier to cope with uni work and training.
Kate: Any other favourites i.e food, music?
Cameron: I love Photography because it gives me a break from the stress of being an athlete and is way less physically exertive.
Kate: How are you managing to keep fit/train during Corona? Any tips for others?
Cameron: I’m very fortunate to be living with another GB athlete called Zac Shaw during lockdown. Between us we have kept a level of discipline in training and push each other. All the running sessions have now been moved onto the grass and weights are done at home.
My tips for others would be to train as best as you can and remain disciplined during the uncertain times. Remember that whatever you do now will reflect in your future performances.