Athlete Interview – Osian Perrin
Osian Perrin is one of the nation’s top talents at the moment, leading the field in his age groups on the Triathlon and Athletics scene.
In the last full season of competition, he won the Youth category in the British Youth and Junior Triathlon Super Series whilst also running an U17 Welsh 3000m record at the SIAB Track Championships. Since then, he has managed to clock some fast times despite the restrictions put on his training by the Coronavirus pandemic, running an astonishing 14.18 at the end of December. We caught up with him with a quick Q&A to get an insight into how he’s been coping over the past few months.
Q&A
Tomos Land – How did you first get started in Triathlon?
Osian Perrin – When I was around 7 my parents entered the Sandman Triathlon, and I went and entered the children’s event. I did the race again the year after and realised how much I enjoyed it. When I turned 9, after racing the Sandman again, I started swimming with the local club on Anglesey.
TL – What is your favorite part of the Triathlon and why?
OP – My favorite part of triathlon is the running as it’s the final leg in a race. It is also my strongest discipline and where I know I can pull back some time on my competitors.
TL – How are you finding training at the moment?
OP – I am currently training really well. I feel like I am currently in the best form that I have ever been in. I am coming down to Cardiff every week to swim as the pools at home are closed so I am luckily managing to get three swims in. I’m running more than usual and cycling just enough to keep it ticking over. As much as I love training, I can’t wait to race again!
TL – You recently ran 14.18 for 5km. How hard was it to train hard through lockdown to get into that sort of shape?
OP – To be honest I didn’t find it that hard to get into shape. I tend to do all my training solo anyway aside from the swim club, so it wasn’t too difficult for me to stay motivated during the lockdown period. I have been running alone for the past two years and having no running races made my training more consistent which allowed me to progress quicker than normal.
TL – What are you training for at the moment?
OP – I’m currently aiming for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 for both athletics and triathlon. I believe I can run the qualifying time for the 5000m and believe I can qualify for the Mixed Relay Squad in Triathlon. I will also try and gain selection to the individual race as it is only a sprint distance triathlon which would suit me far better than the Olympic distance due to my current aerobic conditioning.
TL – What is the long-term aim?
OP – My longer aim is to make it to the Olympics in both athletics and triathlon. I would absolutely love to medal in both, and I can’t see a reason not to aim for gold.
Quick Fire Questions
TL – Favorite book?
OP – The Hobbit.
TL – Favorite film?
OP – It must be The Lord of The Rings, that is the best trilogy without a doubt.
TL – Who are your triathlon idols?
OP – I mean who doesn’t look up to the Brownlee brothers. They are so inspiring and show that hard work and consistency does pay off.
TL – What is your least favorite session?
OP – I have had quite a few sessions I haven’t enjoyed but the one I remember the most vividly and enjoyed the least was when I had to swim 2 x 800m IM, I could hardly swim fly!
TL – Thanks so much for your time!
