Kiara breaks 1500m Freemen’s record

Thirteen-year-old Kiara Valkenburg has managed to break the 1500m Freemen’s record set on 2015 by the then 18-year-old Gabby Eglen.
We caught up with Kiara to congratulate her on this fantastic achievement and ask her some questions.
Kiara, congratulations, how did it feel to break the record?
I was really happy because I have been training for a long time. I have been working hard towards this goal.
How did you get into Athletics?
My Dad used to enter me into races when I was younger, I guess I really liked them so I kept running. Later, I started entering them myself as I began to really enjoy them, and wanted to train for them.
What do you think about when you are running?
Oh, a lot of things! I think about what I am having for supper, I think about pacing myself well, whilst trying to catch up with the girl in front. I also think about how much training I have done is going towards this run.
How do you feel when you run?
When I run I feel quite strong and I feel really happy.
Do you have any sports heroes you look up to?
Yes, definitely. Laura Muir. She is really inspirational because she trains with her mum.
She is currently training to break the British one-mile record. I really like her. Her mum helps her train even at night when she will find a track and use the car headlights to light it up for her so she can train.
What is next for you?
The cross country season is coming soon and I would really like to do well at English Schools. I would like to improve my place from last year (24th) I am aiming for the top eight.
What words of advice do you have for someone looking to try the sport?
You can’t really expect to do well without putting in a lot of hours. You have to really train a lot and be really committed.