The record-breaking Welsh teenager who has wasted little time in making a big impression when it comes to the 400m
In 2009, Jodie Williams etched her name into the record books by setting a British under-17 indoor 400m mark of 54.95. At the time, the athlete who would eventually succeed her at the top of the list hadn’t even been born.
Fast forward to Birmingham in February of this year, and 15-year-old Darcy Coslett rewrote history. At the British Indoor Championships, the young Welsh sprinter stunned spectators by running 54.50 in her heat. She finished second behind her role model, Amber Anning, and advanced to her first ever senior semi-final. The Welsh Indoor 400m under-20 champion continued to impress the following day, too, as she also made the 200m semi-finals with 24.61.
Having just turned 16, the Llanelli athlete is still wrapping her head around what she has accomplished – especially since she only began racing the 400m a year ago. Now, with a national record under her belt and a taste of senior-level competition, she has been pushing even harder on a training camp in Portugal with her sights set on the outdoor season.
How did you first get into athletics?I used to play a lot of football when I was younger and I played on the wing because I was really fast. I loved running in school sports as well so it was suggested I should join the local athletics club, Llanelli, and I loved it.
There was a run, jump and throw programme and I wasn’t very good at the throwing and jumping, but I loved the running, so I kept on going from there.
How did that transition into racing over 400m?I used to do a lot of the 75m and 150m races when I was younger, but I preferred the 150m because I liked the longer sprints. When I got older, I did the 200m and the 300m and I loved it so I gave the 400m a go for the first time last year and it was very painful, but a lot of fun.
I’m not old enough to race 400m at my age level yet because I’m still in the under-17s category, so I just do a few here and there, but it’s my favourite event.
What was it like to race at the British Indoor Championships?
The atmosphere was something I’d never experienced before. When you walk out into the crowd, it’s very loud, but it was so motivating and to be in the same heat as Amber Anning was incredible. In the first 200m she went off hard and then, as I came around the last bend, she was obviously easing up because it was just the heat, but that really helped pull me around and it was so inspiring.
I was very nervous, especially when the television camera came around because it was my first time on camera but it was actually quite fun.
When did you realise you had broken the British under-17 indoor 400m record?Leading up to that competition, I was definitely aiming for the record, because I had run some close times but, crossing the line… Amber crossed first and I just saw 54.31 [Anning’s time] flash up and I just knew it, I was shocked.
How did it feel to break the long-standing record?At first, I didn’t realise how long it had been standing for, and then when I saw it on Instagram, I was shocked. The record has stood since 2009, before I was even born. I was in even more shock because it was Jodie Williams’ record and she is such an incredible athlete.
Who else do you look up to?When I first got into athletics, I loved watching Dina Asher-Smith. She was the first athlete to really inspire me and get me into the sport. I also love Laviai and Lina Nielsen. I love following them online and I think their content is very inspirational, especially because they do similar events to me.Closer to home, Hannah Brier is a big role model to me. She really provides me with so much support and help.
What is it like to represent Wales as a young athlete?I get a lot of support from Wales. I’m in the national development programme and a lot of people from there really help you and motivate you. It’s very nice to get achievements from their support.
I’ve recently been to Monte Gordo in Portugal with Welsh Athletics for a training camp. I went last year and it’s such an amazing experience for young athletes. We go for 10 days, it’s very hard but it’s so much fun and I get to meet so many incredible athletes from all over the world.
What would Darcy say to younger Darcy when she first started running?Work hard and enjoy everything you do and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
