In this episode we sit down with Welsh international pole vaulter - Mark Mellor.
Mark gives an insight into the life a pole vaulter, the nightmares faced whilst traveling to competitions, the state of pole vault in Wales, settings PB's and competition success.
We also discuss the "showman" himself Mondo Duplantis and the shockwaves he sending across the world, competing in his own world, breaking world records.
Tune in to catch everything pole vault and discover insights you would never expect.
In this episode, we sit down with performance expert Dr. Dan Nash to break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about super shoes. From the science behind their design to the tech hidden inside them, we dig into how they work, why they’re so powerful, and whether they actually make a real difference on race day.
Dr. Nash walks us through the carbon plates, the foams, the biomechanics, and the myths - giving a clear, no-nonsense explanation of what makes these shoes so “super.” Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a casual runner, or just curious about the hype, this episode pulls back the curtain on the tech that’s reshaping the running world.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on under your feet, this deep dive has your answers.
In this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast, we dive into the Cardiff Cross Challenge - one of the standout fixtures of the British cross-country season. Host's James Thie & Jenny Long break down the weekend’s biggest performances, key moments, and standout races, whilst accompanied by U23 British international Dafydd Jones to get his take from inside the action. Dafydd shares insights on his own race experience, reflects on the atmosphere and course conditions, and gives his perspective on how each race unfolded from an athlete’s point of view.
Beyond the Track Podcast - Episode 21
Cardiff Cross Challenge is back! An event that never disappoints, one of the best Cross Country fixtures in the UK, involving top athletes from all across the world.
In this episode our two brilliant hosts break down the competition they know all too well, James having attended the very first Cardiff Cross Challenge in 1997 and Jenny who is very familiar with the podium at the end of the course.
Discover the history behind the event, tips and tricks for navigating the course and which athletes to keep an eye on Saturday, 8 November. This is Beyond the Track, Cardiff Cross Challenge - bring it on!
Featuring: Kris Jones - Welsh International Orienteer & Distance Runner
In this episode, we sit down with Welsh international athlete Kris Jones, whose journey from the forests of orienteering to the fast-paced world of long distance running has been nothing short of inspiring. Kris shares where it all began - from his early days with Swansea Harriers and competing in junior races, to proudly pulling on a Great Britain vest.
He opens up about the challenges of balancing two demanding disciplines, the role models who paved the way for his transition from orienteering to running, and the lessons learned from moments of both success and disappointment - including the experience of not being selected for the Commonwealth Games.
It’s an honest, insightful conversation about resilience, progression, and finding passion beyond the track.
🎧 Tune in now for a deep dive into Kris’s story and the mindset behind elite endurance performance.
In this episode, we sit down with middle-distance runner Justin Davies to reflect on an incredible season - including his standout performance at the U23 European Championships.
Justin opens up about the highs and lows of the year, from the thrill of international competition to the disappointment of missing out on Worlds selection. He also gives us a glimpseinto his early career, how he unwinds away from the track, and the mental strategies that keep him focused and grounded. Plus, he shares what a typical training week looks like and offers insight into the mindset it takes to perform at the highest level.
We have a very special episode this week! Beyond the Track Podcast hosts catch up with Hannah Baulch - Head of Participation at Welsh Athletics, Lizzie Dimond (runnerof4) - mother of four who loves to run and Faye Osgood - founder of Her Own Pace Run Club.
Our hosts discuss the brand new Welsh Athletics campaign - Own The Night with these three brilliant guests, hear all about the inspiration behind Own The Night, What it's all about and how you can get involved.
With Own The Night championing women's safety whilst running, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
🎙️ Beyond the Track Podcast - Season 2, Episode 2
Featuring Welsh Marathon Runner Natasha Wilson
In this episode, we’re joined by one of Wales’ most inspiring long-distance athletes - Natasha Wilson, Welsh marathon record holder and Commonwealth Games athlete.
From growing up in Cwmbran and training around her family’s farm to studying on a sports scholarship at the University of Tulsa in the U.S., Natasha’s journey is one of resilience, consistency, and passion for the sport. She shares how her early love for running evolved into a career that’s seen her set records, overcome injuries, and proudly represent Wales and Great Britain on the world stage.
We dive into her incredible 2:26:14 PB at the Valencia Marathon, her experiences at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 World Championships, and her recent return to form at the Hamburg Marathon and Cardiff Half.
Natasha also opens up about the mental side of elite sport, what keeps her motivated through setbacks, and how she balances life as a full-time athlete with her interests outside of running - including nutrition, sustainability, and growing her own food.
If you’re a fan of distance running, athletics stories, or personal journeys of perseverance, this is one you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen now to hear Natasha’s story - from Cwmbran to Commonwealths - and her insights on the future of Welsh athletics.
Season 2, Episode 1 - Lowri Morgan
We’re back with Season 2 of Beyond the Track Podcast, and we’re kicking things off with an incredible guest - world-renowned presenter, ultra-endurance athlete, and adventurer Lowri Morgan.
In this episode, Lowri takes us on a journey through her remarkable sporting story. From her early beginnings and playing rugby at university, to taking on her very first Ironman, Lowri shares the moments that shaped her path into endurance sport. She opens up about the unforgettable challenges of racing through the Amazon jungle and pushing herself to the limit in the gruelling Arctic Ultra.
Lowri talks candidly about the mental battles faced in extreme conditions, the barriers women continue to encounter in athletics and endurance sport, and what keeps her driven to explore the edges of human performance.
This is an inspiring conversation with one of Wales’ most fearless athletes - you won’t want to miss it.
Bonus Episode: World Para Athletics ChampionshipsIn this special bonus episode of Beyond the Track, we take a break between seasons to dive deep into the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, taking place from September 27 to October 5. With eight Welsh athletes set to compete, this episode shines a spotlight on each of them as our three hosts break down their performances, give their predictions, and share what we can expect from these incredible athletes on the world stage.From the excitement surrounding their potential medal wins to the challenges they may face, we’ll cover it all as we look ahead to this highly anticipated event. Tune in for expert insights, candid opinions, and a closer look at the athletes who will be representing Wales with pride.
In the season one finale of Beyond the Track Podcast, our three hosts take a step back from the competition to look at the season as a whole. From favourite highlights and memorable guests to the funniest behind-the-scenes moments, they share the stories and reflections that made this first season so special. Expect plenty of laughs, honest conversations, and engaging chat as we wrap up an incredible journey and look ahead to what’s next for the podcast.
Episode 13 - World Championships Special
This week’s episode of Beyond the Track takes a different turn - no guest interview, just our three hosts diving deep into the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With the competition kicking off this weekend, we break down everything from the prize pool and what it could mean for athletes, to how the championships compare with other major global events.
Our main focus? The incredible four Welsh athletes set to compete: Jeremiah Azu, Hannah Brier, Abigail Pawlett, and Melissa Courtney-Bryant. We look at their PBs, career highlights, and achievements so far, while sharing our thoughts and congratulations on them making it to the championships.
Tune in for insight, discussion, and plenty of excitement as we count down to one of the biggest events in the athletics calendar!
Episode 12 - James Ledger: Sprinting Beyond Limits
In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with James Ledger, a Welsh T11 100m sprinter living with a visual impairment. James shares his powerful journey in athletics, opening up about how the sport gave him purpose, passion, and the realisation that disability doesn’t define what you can achieve.
He reflects on the vital role of his guide runner, the trust and partnership that make sprinting possible, and the support he received from Disability Sport Wales - an organisation that not only helped shape his career but also gave him a community where he no longer felt alone.
He went on to give back through his own work with Disability Sport Wales and is currently working for the BBC, James talks about the impact of representation, resilience, and opportunity in disability sport. He also looks back on his achievements on the track and reveals what he considers his greatest accomplishment.
This conversation is a celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and the belief that barriers can be broken
Episode 11 - Abi Pawlett: Behind the Heptathlon
In this episode of Beyond the Track, we’re joined by Welsh heptathlete Abi Pawlett, who takes us through her journey in athletics - from growing up in a sporty family to becoming one of the UK’s rising combined event stars. Abi reflects on her standout career highlight so far, winning silver at the European U23 Championships, and explains exactly what being a heptathlete involves, breaking down how the event works for those new to the sport.
She also opens up about a challenging period when she wasn’t enjoying athletics and how her new coach, Ash, helped reignite her passion for competing. Abi shares her honest views on the current heptathlon ranking system, why she feels it needs a rethink, and what changes she’d like to see in the future.
This is a candid and inspiring conversation with an athlete who’s not only chasing medals but also helping shape the sport she loves.
Episode 10 - Beyond the Track Podcast with Mike Jenkins
In this episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with Welsh para athlete Mike Jenkins, a talented thrower whose story is as inspiring as it is powerful. Mike opens up about living with cerebral palsy, sharing how it changes the path of his sporting journey - from the heartbreak of being unable to pursue rugby, the sport he loved, to finding new purpose and passion in athletics.
We Talk about the day-to-day challenges he faces, the mindset needed to overcome them, and the incredible success he has achieved on the para athletics stage so far. Mike's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and finding opportunity in unexpected places.
Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about sport adversity, and what it really means to push beyond the track.
Episode 9 - Clara Evans: From Heartbreak to the Olympic Marathon
In this powerful and emotional episode of Beyond the Track Podcast, Welsh marathon runner Clara Evans takes us behind the scenes of one of the most dramatic moments of her career. Clara opens up about the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on Olympic selection, the emotional toll it took, and the raw reality of trying to process that disappointment.
But just seven days before the Olympic marathon, everything changed - Clara got the unexpected call to join Team GB. She talks us through the whirlwind of emotions, the rapid preparation, and the unforgettable experience of lining up on the Olympic start line… and crossing the finish as the first Brit home.
This conversation gets real and vulnerable. Clara shows really strength and character when shares how she thinks she probably has not fully dealt with everything. It’s a story of resilience, opportunity, and the unpredictable nature of sport - one you won’t forget.
Episode 8 – Amber Simpson From Wales to the USA & Smashing Records
Welcome back to Beyond the Track Podcast! In this inspiring episode, were joined by Welsh hammer thrower Amber Simpson, who shares her incredible journey from growing up in Wales to moving across the Atlantic to pursue athletics in American university.
Amber opens up about the challenges she faced adapting to life and sport in the U.S., how she navigated the cultural shift, and what kept her motivated through the tough times. She also dives into her early days in athletics, how she discovered her passion for hammer throw, and what it means to now hold the Welsh national record in the event.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete considering a move abroad, or just love a story of resilience and ambition, this episode is packed with honest advice, personal stories, and powerful motivation.
From Elite Athlete to Elite Mentor - The Christian Malcolm Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Christian Malcolm - 4x Olympian, World Junior Champion, and a true icon of British athletics.
Christian shares his inspiring journey into the world of sprinting, including what it was like to line up against Usain Bolt, and how he carved out a legacy of success on the track. He opens up about the drive behind founding the Christian Malcolm Academy, nurturing the next generation of talent, and why mentorship matters.
We also explore his bold move to Australia for a high-performance coaching role, and how that experience shaped his eventual return to join British Athletics in a leadership capacity.
This is more than a story of speed - it’s about purpose, perseverance, and progression.
In this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast, we’re joined by the charismatic and always entertaining Jamie Baulch - Olympic silver medallist, World Champion, and one of Britain’s most iconic sprinters.
Jamie takes us on a whirlwind journey through his incredible career - from how he first got into athletics, to what it was really like competing alongside legends like Colin Jackson. He shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from training camps and international meets, and opens up about the real reason he decided to hang up his spikes.
With his trademark energy and honesty, Jamie reflects on the highs, the lows, and everything in between - this episode is packed with laughter, insight, and raw truth from a man who’s lived life in the fast lane.
Next Up: Harrison Walsh - From Rugby Pitch to Paralympic Podium
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with Harrison Walsh - Welsh Paralympic thrower, Commonwealth Games medallist, and former rugby player whose journey is nothing short of inspiring.
After a career-ending injury cut short his time on the rugby field, Harrison found a new path in Paralympic athletics. He opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of that transition, how he rebuilt his identity through sport, and the resilience and perspective he's gained along the way.
We also explore his experiences competing at the Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games, and dive into his passions beyond sport - from painting and drawing to his love of Lego and cooking.
This episode is a celebration of strength, creativity, and determination - a must-listen for anyone facing adversity or chasing a new dream.