Trackside: Louise Shanahan

Trackside with Olympian Louise Shanahan: “I don’t think anything will beat that moment when you realise you are going to be an Olympian”  

Welcome to Trackside! The latest interview series hosted by Athletics Ireland. Trackside joins senior high-performance athletes to talk all things athletics as well as hear what our athletes get up to off the track.  

Ahead of her debut at the European Championship, Olympian Louise Shanahan joined us Trackside to talk about her Irish sporting hero and her love of physics.  

When did you first get into athletics? 

“I went to my first race when I was 6 days old! My dad, Ray, brought me to the Intervarsity XC Championships. I didn't start running myself until I was in primary school. My school, Scoil Bhride Eglantine, had a really good team for the Cork Primary School Sports. When I was in 3rd class, I just missed out on making the team and I was really disappointed. My dad decided to take me down to our local athletic club Leevale A.C. the following year I made the school team for the first time and the rest is history!” 

If you could do any other event across athletics, what would you pick?  

“I'd love to do the hurdles; I like the technical element.” 

What has been your top moment in athletics to date?  

“Qualifying for the Olympics was a dream come true. I don't think anything will beat that moment when you realise you are going to be an Olympian.” 

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

“I think that records are meant to be broken and technological advances that help athletes run faster are good for the sport. However, I do think sport needs to be fair and shoes need to be made available to everyone.” 

What does a typical week look like for you?  

“I run about 50 miles in the winter and 30-40 in the summer/racing season. This will be made up of two sessions and a long run with some easier runs in between. I'm also in the gym twice a week.” 

What does Louise Shanahan get up to off the track?  

“I'm actually a full-time student. I'm just finishing my third year of a PhD in quantum physics in the Cambridge. This keeps me pretty busy but in my spare time I love to bake or catch up with my friends.” 

What is the biggest challenge for you as an athlete?  

“I think juggling a busy training and racing schedule with my PhD is probably the biggest challenge right now. I love physics and running, and I want to do both, so I make it work.” 

What is the biggest support for you as an athlete? 

“I'm very lucky to have a very supportive team around me. From my coach to my physio to my family and boyfriend, I wouldn't be able to do it without them.”  

Lightening Round: 

Tea or Coffee Neither I'm a hot chocolate girl 

Track Running or Road Running Track 

Early morning training or evening training Evening 

Worst training drill Inchworms 

Best training drill Nordics  

Who is your sporting hero Ciara Mageean 

Sweet or Savoury Savoury  

Tv or Books Books 

Instagram or Twitter Instagram 

Louise Shanahan makes her debut in the 800m of the European Championships on Thursday 18th August 2022 from 9:45am, for a full list of how to keep up with European Championship action see HERE

Let us know who you would like to feature in our next Trackside!