Beyond The Track Podcast

In Episode 38 of Beyond the Track Podcast, our hosts turn their attention to a strong Welsh line up heading into this weekend’s GB & NI team at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. The episode highlights the five selected athletes-Jeremiah Azu, Issy Boffey, Abi Pawlett, Louisa Stoney, and Tess McHugh-and why they’re ones to watch on the global stage.

Leading the charge is reigning 60m World Indoor Champion Jeremiah Azu, who returns looking to defend his title and continue his dominance in the short sprint. In the combined events, Abi Pawlett is in outstanding form, putting together an incredible indoor season in the pentathlon and emerging as a serious contender.

Middle-distance star Issy Boffey heads into the championships at the top of her game in the 800m, bringing both experience and momentum. Meanwhile, Louisa Stoney and Tess McHugh will compete in the 4x400m relay squad, adding depth and strength to the Welsh team in one of the most exciting events on the programme.

The hosts break down each athlete’s form, chances, and key storylines, while also discussing the unique demands of indoor championship racing. It’s a focused, insight-driven preview filled with excitement, analysis, and pride as Welsh athletes prepare to compete against the very best in the world.

Beyond the Track Podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with Welsh race walker Bethan Davies, an international athlete who has proudly represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the world stage. Known for her determination and resilience in one of athletics’ most demanding disciplines, Bethan opens up about the journey behind the results.

But this conversation goes far beyond competition.

Bethan shares the deeply personal story of pregnancy and childbirth that left her fighting for her life, forcing an unexpected and frightening pause in her athletic career. She speaks candidly about the physical and emotional toll of the experience, the uncertainty that followed, and the long road back to health and sport.

Now a mother, Bethan reflects on rediscovering her identity as both an elite athlete and a parent. From rebuilding her body and confidence to redefining success, this episode explores what it truly means to return to sport after life-changing adversity.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, motherhood, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward - both on and off the track.

In this episode of Beyond The Track, we’re joined by James Williams, CEO of Welsh Athletics, for an insightful conversation about the present and future of athletics in Wales.

James takes us behind the scenes of the sport’s development, reflecting on how athletics has evolved over the years and the key challenges that still need to be addressed for it to continue growing. From participation trends to the structures that support elite performance, he shares a candid perspective on what it takes to move the sport forward.

We also dive into the importance of grassroots athletics, the role clubs and communities play in nurturing the next generation, and how collaboration with other National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can help strengthen the wider sporting landscape.

Packed with honest insights, leadership perspective, and a real passion for the sport, this episode explores the barriers, opportunities, and big ideas shaping the future of athletics in Wales - and why the journey beyond the track matters more than ever.

On this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast our hosts discuss a buzzing topic in the athletics world - Power of 10 - opinions are split as they question is it needed in athletics.

In this episode, our three hosts break down a phenomenal weekend for Welsh athletics at the Novuna UK Indoor Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where Wales stormed to 15 medals - five gold, six silver and four bronze -plus a wave of Welsh indoor records.

We spotlight Jeremiah Azu’s stunning sprint double (60m & 200m) as he builds toward defending his world indoor title, and Abi Pawlett breaking her own Welsh 60m hurdles record three times on her way to gold.

There’s also gold for Bethan Davies in an emotional comeback victory, a commanding 800m win for Issy Boffey, and major medals across the sprints, walks and field events.

From breakout performances to championship experience, we unpack what this medal haul means for Welsh athletics heading into World Indoors, outdoor season and the road to the Commonwealth games.

Novuna UK Athletics Indoor Championships 2026 is taking place this weekend in Birmingham at there will be plenty of thrilling head to heads and athletic action taking place.

Join us in Beyond the Track Podcast, episode 33 as our hosts give you the rundown on everything you get expect across the weekend.

Beyond the Track - Episode 32 is your ultimate preview of the upcoming Welsh Senior, U17 & Para Indoor Championships. Host James Thie breaks down everything you need to know ahead of a huge weekend of indoor athletics, from the standout events to keep an eye on to the athletes expected to be right in the mix for gold.

With championship titles on the line, James also looks at who’s battling for a chance to stake their claim for Commonwealth Games selection, and where the pressure is on to deliver big performances. Plus, could this weekend be the moment a new Welsh record is written? James highlights the events and athletes most likely to make history.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of Welsh athletics, this episode sets the scene for a thrilling weekend on the track.

Today’s episode of the Beyond the Track Podcast takes us inside the mind of the coach behind one of the greatest indoor seasons ever produced by a Welsh athlete - Helen James, the coach who guided Jeremiah Azu to remarkable success.

We explore where her journey in Athletics began, what earned her the title of Performance Coach of the Year, and the coaching philosophy that has driven consistent results. Helen shares how she first discovered the talent of Jeremiah Azu, alongside the highs and lows that come with building such a successful coach–athlete relationship.

The episode also offers a rare insight into the life of a performance coach, Helen’s thoughts on how coaching in Wales can continue to improve, and the best advice she’s received throughout her career.

In this episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with Eden Robinson to explore the journey that shaped her into the athlete she is today. Eden takes us back to where it all began - growing up in a sport-loving family, drawing inspiration from those closest to her, and discovering athletics through her first club.

Now a multi-event athlete, Eden talks through her life as a heptathlete, sharing her favourite events and what draws her to the challenge of mastering so many disciplines. Known within her family for treating every session like a Rocky montage, Eden explains how mindset, consistency and support have played a huge role in her development.

The conversation also touches on adversity, as Eden opens up about picking up a knee injury in November 2024, how it tested her mentally, and the lessons she’s taken from the recovery process. Looking ahead, she shares her belief that she’s ready to shock a lot of people this year, alongside valuable mental tips and advice for athletes navigating setbacks.

We also discuss Eden’s choice to take her athletics journey to the next level by heading to university in the United States, and what excites her most about the road ahead.

An honest, motivating and insightful conversation - and that’s just scratching the surface.

In this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast, we sit down with Funmi Oduwayie to hear one of the most powerful stories of resilience and transformation in sport.

Funmi reflects on her early success in basketball and the trajectory of a promising career - before a devastating knee injury suddenly brought everything to a halt. She opens up about the traumatic moments in hospital, the intense pain she experienced, and the uncertainty that followed, sharing honestly how her faith in God became a source of strength during the darkest period of her life.

That faith, resilience, and determination ultimately led Funmi to discover a new path in para athletics. She speaks about her journey into the sport, her rapid rise as a para athlete, and the performances that have defined her career so far.

This episode is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define us - and that sometimes the toughest moments can lead to an even greater purpose beyond the track.