by Stuart Weir
Dina Asher-Smith and Laura Muir, Gateshead DL presser, May 22, 2021, photo by Stuart Weir
Geoff Wightman queries Dina Asher-Smith, Gateshead DL, May 22, 2021, photo by Stuart Weir
Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Gateshead DL pressers, May 22, 2021, photo by Stuart Weir
Mondo Duplantis, Sha’Carri Richardson, Jakub Ingebrigtsen, Gateshead DL, photo by Stuart Weir
This is a fun story. Stuart Weir told me so, and after writing six pieces on the Gateshead Diamond League, he knows a thing or two about pressers….
The person behind the mask
Geoff Wightman, the renowned stadium announcer, was in charge of the pre-event Gateshead press conference. By using some set questions to all athletes he aimed to get behind the athlete to the person, which produced some intriguing answers.
Describe yourself in three words
Laura Muir
Hardworking, organized, quiet – until you get to know me
Dina Asher-Smith
Hard-working, smiling, optimistic
Jakob Ingebrigtsen
Competitive, stubborn (and hopefully) fast
Sha’Carrie Richardson
Unique, feisty, determined
Mondo Duplantis
Prodigy, confident (but I am human and I have my moments), chilled
Something most people don’t know about you
Laura Muir
I had six pet rats when I was growing up. They are lovely pets if anyone is interested!
Dina Asher-Smith
My mum used to run cross country.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen
I’m a big car enthusiast
Sha’Carrie Richardson
I love food
Mondo Duplantis
I can be super-chilled. I know that I need rest before the competition and I can watch Netflix all day. I like to play golf and explore cities but if I have to spend a day indoors, I will be fine.
Your worst school report or moment (after clarification that school meant High School)
Laura Muir
The worst school situation was one that I made awkward for myself. It was a parents’ evening when I was choosing science subjects which I needed for vet school but my French teacher was trying to persuade me to choose French. I just said to him: “I don’t like French; I’m not taking it”.
Dina Asher-Smith
Sorry to be boring but I didn’t really have one. In fact, my parents stopped going to parents’ evenings because all the teachers just said “she works hard, concentrates, and is interactive”
Jakob Ingebrigtsen
I was told that I was being nonchalant, and sitting weirdly on my chair.
Sha’Carrie Richardson
Too talkative in class
Mondo Duplantis
Because Renaud was the best pole-vaulter in the world at the time, I thought I should learn French. But the classes were at 7.00am so I think I slept through most of them. It didn’t work out very well and I never learned French!
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