Trackside: Israel Olatunde

Trackside with Israel Olatunde: “I wanted to be the fastest boy in my class, now I want to be the fastest man in history.”  

Welcome to Trackside! The latest interview series hosted by Athletics Ireland. Trackside joins senior high-performance athletes post training session to discuss all things athletics as well as those hard-hitting questions like Netflix versus Books.  

We recently caught up with Israel Olatunde ahead of the European Championship Team announcements.  

What attracted you to being a sprinter? 

“I remember in primary school, the sprint events were always fiercely competitive, and it was a big deal to be the fastest in your class. There is just something cool about being able to call yourself the fastest. It’s something everyone can recognize and relate to. Even though I train hard, sprinting is something that’s always clicked for me naturally. It has allowed me to express myself. I wanted to be the fastest boy in my class, now I want to be the fastest man in history.” 

What event outside of sprinting would you have liked to be involved in?  

“I would love to be able to do the 110 hurdles. It’s beautiful but chaotic to watch when done by the top guys. It takes a lot of technique and bravery, so I admire athletes that compete in the event.” 

What has been your top moment in athletics to date? 

“Competing at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade during the 2022 indoor season takes the cake. Being able to compete on a world stage while I was still 19 years old is something I’m really grateful for and proud of. It made me realize that there’s no reason why I don’t belong at the top in this sport. I still have a long way to go in my journey, but that experience will definitely be valuable along the way.” 

 
What are you excited about this season? 

“I’m looking forward to running fast, winning races, and competing with the best. I have my eyes on the European Championships in Munich this summer. I’m also excited to defend my National 100m title. By the time you’re reading this hopefully I’ve retained my title and already qualified for Munich! I have gotten to travel to some cool places already this year so excited for more of that also.” 
 

Do you think advances in shoe technology has a major impact on track racing?  

“Technology has impacted almost all sports. I think shoe technology on the track has great benefits. But I think it’s overhyped. There is no spike that will turn you into an Olympian overnight. It is important to focus on the effort the athletes put into their craft and not just pin it all on technology.”  

 
Can you describe the Irish Athletics Environment?  

“I think there is a great atmosphere in Irish athletics at the moment. There is a lot of young athletes doing some great things and qualifying for major championships. There are also the more experienced athletes still performing at their best, inspiring those breaking through. It’s exciting to see. It’s not hard to find motivation when you can see such positives around you.” 

 
What does Israel Olatunde get up to off the track? 

“For the spring/summer of 2022 I have been doing a software development internship at KPMG. It’s been a great learning experience so far. Apart from that I don’t do anything to exciting or out of the ordinary. I like music, watching TV, reading books, going for walks, and eating desserts.” 

What is the biggest challenge for you as an athlete? 

“I guess just finding a balance with things in life. It can be hard to find time and energy when you are trying to master a craft. But this is a challenge for most people, not just athletes, so I can’t complain too much.” 

 
What is the biggest support for you as an athlete? 

“As a person, my faith is my is my biggest support. It gives me confidence and freedom knowing that I’m not alone and that I’m being guided through this journey.” 

 

Lightening Round: 

Tea or Coffee: Coffee 

Track Running or Road Running: Track 

Early morning training or evening training: Evening 

Worst training drill: Interval runs 

Best training drill: Plyometrics 

Who is your sporting hero: Muhammed Ali 

Ice cream or Chocolate: Ice cream 

TV or Books: Disney+ 

Israel Olatunde has been selected as part of the team to represent Ireland at the European Championships in Munich from August 15th to 21st in both the mens individual 100m and the mens 4x100m relay panel.  

For the full team selection see HERE

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