Newyddion

10/08/2024 00:00, I Mewn Blog / Track & Field /

Clara Evans will be competing in the Marathon at the Olympic Games tomorrow (Sunday 11 August) at 7am. It will be her debut appearance at the Games.

Clara has been called up as a late athlete replacement for Team GB due to Charlotte Purdue withdrawing due to an ankle injury.

A delighted Evans shared:

I'm really excited to get called up to complete on the Olympics. This will be my first Olympics so I really want to take in the atmosphere and enjoy it.

Evans is the current Welsh record holder for the women's marathon and is the second fastest over the half marathon distance. 

The Pontypridd Roadent raced at the Valencia Marathon in December 2023 and set a massive four-minute-plus personal best of 2:25.01 - the seventh fastest ever time by a Briton. Since then she has also lowered her 10km personal best to 31:57 becoming only the second Welsh woman to dip under 32 minutes.

Ahead of the Olympic Games, we caught up with Clara to share some insights into her life so you too can get to know the dedicated and talented athlete.

Where did you grow up and where do you live today?

I grew up in Hereford but live in Cardiff now with my fiance.

How did you get into athletics and what was your first athletics memory?

I went along with a friend from school as she was interested in joining the athletics club and I just went to keep her company. My first real memory was running an 800m in the South East Wales meet at Newport Stadium.

How do you juggle working and training at an elite level?

 I work part time and fit training in the mornings, lunchtimes and evenings but keep my busy days to my days off.

Clara competing at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games where she came 9th.

Have any key people in your life helped you progress to the athlete you have become today?

Chris Jones my current coach has been the main factor in helping me progress to where I am today.

What’s the best thing about being in the event village?

Being around everyone and all the different sports.

Team Wales at the prep camp ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Who is the first person you message after a race?

All my family will be at the race so hopefully I will see them but if not it would be them.

What’s the one meal you look forward to after racing?

Pizza!

Do you have any hobbies outside of athletics?

I like taking the dog out to new places to walk, I'm trying to do the South Wales' top 40 peaks.

Clara with her fiance and dog climbing The Garth.

We hear you are engaged and your wedding is very soon?

I'm getting married 6 days after the Olympic Marathon! 

Now that's impressive!

Do you have a message to inspire the next generation of athletes?

Just to enjoy your athletics and see where it takes you and not to put too much pressure on yourself. 

When will Clara Evans be competing?

Clara Evans will be competing in the women's marathon on Sunday 11 August at 7am (UK time)

Where can we watch the action?

You will be able to catch the action on the BBC iPLAYER.

Please join us in supporting Clara as she takes to the streets of Paris for her first-ever Olympic Games!

If you want to find out more information about the Paris Olympic Games and how you can get involved, click here.