Nadia Power had a breakthrough track season in 2019, winning her first major medal when finishing third at the U23 European Athletics Championships in the 800m. The 21-year-old Dublin woman also set six personal best times in both the 800m and 1500m. Currently studying marketing in DCU she successfully combines study, work placement and training. A member of Templeogue athletic club this exciting athlete has plenty to look forward to in the years ahead.
20×20: Questions – Nadia Power
1. What’s your first memory of sport as a child?
My mom’s side of the family is from Kilkenny so watching Kilkenny hurling matches on TV
2. How did you first become involved in sport?
Being brought to my local GAA club St. Judes to the kids nursery to play camogie
3. What sports did you try as a child?
Just camogie, athletics and gymnastics. I also did ballet for 5 years
4. What decided you to settle on your chosen sport
Athletics gave me more opportunities than camogie as I was beginning to travel and represent my country. The idea of going to the Olympics was also something that excited me from a very young age, so I wanted to pursue that dream.
5. Who has had the most impact on your sporting career?
Probably my coaches. I achieved a lot with my first club coach but my current coach Enda Fitzpatrick has helped me find a new passion and drive for athletics and taken me to a new level in terms of times and being competitive internationally.
6. What female do you most admire in the world of sport?
Probably Laura Muir. I love how she races.
7. Outside of sport what do you do in your leisure time?
I like just relaxing and watching Netflix or going for food with friends.
8. What is the last movie you went to see? What is your favourite movie of all time?
I can’t remember the last tune U went to the cinema but my favourtie movie is the Pink Panter or else John Tucker Must Die.
9. What music do you listen to?
It’s between chart music and rap/hip-hop
10. Are you a reading fan? If so what are you currently reading?
I’m actually awful at sticking with a book and rarely finish one but at the moment reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.
11. Do you follow any sports stars on social media? If so who?
Yes plenty, my favourite to follow is Emma Coburn
12. Forget about your sporting diet for a moment? Your favourite meal when you breakout?
A bacon and cheese burger, followed by a cheesecake
13. Who do you most admire in your own sport?
Luvo Manyonga, world long jump champion
14. Do you have a special ritual before competing?
Nothing too specific but I would always eat 4-3.5 hours before then snack again and a few minutes before my warm up. I always give myself an hour to warm up and listen to music and do the same drills.
15. Do you still play other sports for fun?
Unfortunately not but I watch a lot of GAA
16. What advice would you give to young girls & boys to encourage them to participate in sport?
Sort gives your life so much purpose, there is nothing as good as the feeling of setting a goal, working for it and achieving it. It is also a great way to make friends and step out of your comfort zone.
17. What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
My biggest achievement has been winning a European u23 bronze medal in the 800m this summer.
18. How do you cope with (a) injuries; (b) other setbacks?
For injuries, I focus on really following the advise of physios and am very consistent with doing any rehab that I am given. For setbacks, I just start working towards my goal again as soon as I can.
19. What do your family make of your success?
My family love watching me compete, especially my Mom who comes to all of my races. She is very proud of me and really enjoyed my success this year as she knows about all the bad days too.
20. What does sport mean to you?
Sport gives me so much purpose and a sense of identity in the world. It also shows what hard work and belief in yourself can achieve.