Rydal Penrhos pupil Finlay Coakley-Harding is sprinting into the national spotlight after a sensational double win at the Eryri Schools Championships.
At Rydal Penrhos, we take great pride in nurturing talented young people and supporting them to achieve their very best. This is especially true of Year 10 pupil Finlay Coakley-Harding, a rising athletics star whose sprinting performances go from strength to strength.
Since joining Rydal Penrhos in November, Finn has thrived both on and off the track. Finn’s latest success saw him storm to victory in both the 100m and 200m events at the Eryri Schools Championships, qualifying him to represent his school district at the Welsh Schools Championships in July. Finn has also been selected to represent Great Britain this summer at the Multi-Sports School Association competition in Budapest.
We caught up with Finn fresh from his double win, as he looks ahead to international competition, and dreams of Olympic glory:
How did it feel to win both the 100m and 200m at the Eryri Schools Championships? Did you expect that kind of result?
There was definitely an expectation to win – so I was really glad to deliver! That kind of pressure can be intense, but I actually thrive off it. Nerves work in a positive way for me, and getting into that “flow state” is so important – it gives you complete focus, almost like a trance.
Your 10.94 time in the 100m is one of the fastest in the UK this year – what went through your mind when you saw the result?
When I saw the time on the clock, I was shocked – and also really relieved. It was actually the third fastest time in the UK for my age group this year, and the fastest in Wales. My 200m time was the second fastest in Wales too. I still think there’s more to come in the 100m, especially in the last 10 metres. My aim now is to break into the UK top 10 overall and qualify for the UK Championships, where I can compete against the best in the country. To hit this kind of time so early in the season is amazing – it’s a great feeling and it shows me I’m on the right track.
What are you most looking forward to about competing for Great Britain in Budapest?
I’m so nervous – but mostly just so excited. It’s such a huge honour to represent Great Britain. It came as a real shock, especially at 15 years old – there are so many elite athletes who never get that opportunity at such a young age. One of my coaches, who’s now competing at the elite level, didn’t represent GB until he was 17. I know how rare this is, and I’m incredibly grateful.
What are your goals for the future?
My dream is to become a British champion and to compete at the Olympics. I’d love to be the first British Men’s 200m Olympic champion. I really look up to Zharnel Hughes, Matthew Hudson-Smith, and especially Jeremiah Azu – he came through the Welsh Schools system. I’ve had the chance to meet him, and he’s such a great person. It would be a dream to compete at the same level as him one day.
How important have your coaches been in your journey so far?
My coach Andy has been absolutely amazing. He has a full-time job, but still dedicates time to train me four times a week, alongside his other athletes. Our training group is like a family – the support and motivation we give each other makes a huge difference.
You moved to Rydal Penrhos in November last year. What support have you had since joining, and how has your training routine changed?
I’ve had to adapt my training slightly – for example, I now leave school early on Thursdays to make it to training on time. But the support from Rydal Penrhos has been amazing. Being recognised as a sports scholar means a lot. At Rydal Penrhos, the staff genuinely care about my goals and achievements. Whether it’s arranging extra protein in my meals, or finding ways to incorporate my athletics into my school experience, they always try to help. For a smaller school, it really does feel like a big family.
