WE were hosted by a very special guest for this week’s edition of Tryout Tuesday, as I laced up the spikes and tried my hand at 100m sprinting with Jersey’s Commonwealth Games athlete Steven Mackay.
This year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games marks a historic point for Jersey’s athletics stars.
Their five-strong squad – consisting of Mackay, Jamie Oldham, Zach Saunders, Lucy Woodward and Evan Campbell – is the largest ever sent by the Island to the Games.
Of this team, the first three listed are sprinters, and only Saunders has prior experience of the Commonwealth Games.
While the squad may seem relatively fresh, there’s no question that these star athletes have what it takes to handle the spotlight, after showing out on many of the sport’s biggest stages.
Whether it’s medal-winning efforts at the Island Games or impressive outings at competitions such as the UK Championships, the Caesareans have shown Jersey is more than capable of competing on the biggest stages.
Let’s kick off our deep dive into these starring athletes with the Island’s 100m record holder, Steven Mackay.
“I can’t wait to show what’s possible.”
Steven Mackay
Mackay is realising the “dream” of every local athlete, stepping up to represent Jersey at the Commonwealth Games in the 100m and 200m.
Competitive running wasn’t always Mackay’s dream – he initially got into athletics to help with fitness and bolster his performance on the football pitch.
However, as injuries piled up on the pitch, his commitment to the track grew.
“I was coming back into football from a year out and I wanted to reach a certain level, so I rejoined St Clements,” Mackay explained.
“After I raced at the Highlands College sports day, my tutor dragged me down to the track that weekend.
“I went to race with no warm-up or training and got absolutely pumped – but, I ran a pretty decent time, given the circumstances.
“I ended up getting into training sprints to transfer to football, but I kept getting injured. As I could still run, I got more into the track sessions. Then, I started going away for competitions and really began to enjoy myself.”
The final nail in the coffin on Mackay’s football career was Covid-19, which halted training sessions. However, the sprint-training group’s smaller size at the time meant Mackay could continue his development on the track.
As he put more into his training, new levels were reached and Mackay began climbing the ranks.
The speedster continued: “When I was training during Covid-19, I ran a personal best (PB) that was of Island Games standard, but I didn’t qualify, ultimately.
“However, there was no way I was taking ‘no’ for an answer and I gave everything to getting over that hurdle.
“I was placed on the Commonwealth Games pathway for 2022, which opened up a whole new different level – it was such a big eye-opener.
“I started believing, and now I’m here, I can’t wait to get out there and show people what’s possible.
“The whole aura of it just completely hooked me in, everything just felt so professional and important and I love that. The idea of walking out in a stadium of 30,000 people is a dream.”
Mackay went on to share what it’s taken to reach this level. He said: “It’s taken everything to rise through the ranks – you have to make sacrifices to remain focused, especially on the social side.
“Performance-wise, I’ve put in a lot of work to get here – it’s hours of training, five or six times per week – that’s the hard work no one sees.
“The progress I’ve made is unreal – to think this started out as getting fit for football, and now I’m going to the Commonwealth Games, is insane. “If you want something enough, you will get after it – my story proves that.”
Mackay is now recognised as one of the Island’s top athletes, with a large list of accolades and highlight moments under his belt. From medal-winning performances at the Island Games to record-breaking efforts that etched his name into the history books, Mackay has starred on the track.
“Looking at my career so far, there have been so many highlights. Racing against former Olympians is always cool and, through events like the Stratford Speed GP, I’ve had the opportunity to race against some elite opposition,” Mackay reflected.
“Breaking the 100m Island record with my 10.48secs time was absolutely unbelievable and the memories with the 4x100m and 4x400m relays will always be special, breaking the records in the Orkney Island Games before beating England in the Manchester International.
“I’ve had so many great highlights so far, but I’m here to make more and I’m ready to take this mega step-up to the Commonwealth Games.”
Although the Commonwealth Games marks a “mega” step up in Mackay’s career, the Caesarean sprinter feels ready, delving into his past experiences at high-level events to “realise the standard”.
“The Commonwealth Games is a huge step up for me, but I feel as if I’ve had a taste of what it’s going to be like through events such as the Island Games and UK Championships,” Mackay said.
“The UK Championships has shown me what it’s like to compete against a world-class field of athletes, while the Island Games has acted as a stress-free preparation for these games, enabling me to experience what these week-long competitions are really like.
“I know how to compete with high-level athletes and prepare through each day to be as ready as I can be, so it’s now just about transferring those skills and levelling them up for this big competition.
“Working with my coach, I’m focused on following the process and sharpening up in the coming weeks.”
With the Commonwealth Games rapidly approaching, Mackay went on to explain his thoughts and emotions in the build-up, saying: “I’m stressed with all the preparation – but it’s a good stress, as I’m so wanting to do well.
“Once I settle into the city and vibe, I know I’ll be fine – I’m going to have a great time. I’m so excited and I feel as if I’m mentally already there. I can’t wait to get on the track and perform.”
With that eagerness comes targets and aspirations. Mackay added: “Competing in the 100m and 200m events, I’m looking for qualification to the semi-finals and PBs and I’m ready to compete to my absolute best level.
“However, if those goals aren’t met, I won’t be disappointed – I’m going to
be positive, happy and compete as much as I can. I’m heading into this stress-free, with no expectations as I’m ready to enjoy the experience. I feel on track – pardon the pun – in training and I’m ready to do my absolute best for Jersey.
“I absolutely love this Island – it’s been my home since I was two years old, and I’ve been hooked on it ever since.
“This is my home, it’s helped mould me into the person I am today and nowhere in the world comes close.”
Time to lace up the spikes
I was ready to show my pace on the track when Steve and his coach took me for a short session to give me a taste of what training for a Commonwealth Games athlete is like.
I have some history with the FB track – I first met the athletics team last year in preparation for the Orkney Island Games, where I tested my mettle against Steve and – stupidly – challenged him to a 100m race.
Let’s just say that it wasn’t a close affair – I was absolutely pummelled.
So, I guess the pressure was on to redeem myself and show I had some athleticism to offer.
After a short warm-up to activate my muscles, I was met with an old enemy – the starting blocks.
I was introduced to them by Steve last year. It’s incredible how weird it feels to use them – they’re not the most comfortable pieces of equipment and I remembered from the previous time how hard it felt to launch from them. However, it was a new day, and perhaps I’d learned from my experiences.
While Steve gave me a quick and informative refresh on how to use the blocks – there really is more to it than it seems by the way – I was nervous. Equipped with a pair of spikes, there were no excuses and I was keen to record a strong time.
We ran through a couple block starts, focused on digging the heels in before driving off as quickly as possible. My first attempt was a bit sloppy, but I was driven to right the wrong and go again – I wasn’t leaving until I got this right.
Fortunately, the second attempt felt a lot smoother, preparing me for the main event – recording the 100m time.
Walking up to the start line, I felt readier with each step and I was eager to record a strong time and to make an impression.
Settled into the blocks, I looked up to Steve with anticipation as he went: “Set…go!”
From there, I launched myself and drove through as quickly as I could – however, for the opening 30m or so, my technique in the stride didn’t feel there at all, so I did my best to make corrections and adjustments to finish strongly.
Once I crossed the line, I was left absolutely wheezing – it’s funny how such a short distance can leave you almost breathless. However, through my deep breaths, I managed to ask what the time was.
I was met with a resounding answer when it came to my expectations, as I had managed to run 100m in 12.79secs with little training, leaving me wondering how far I might go if I committed properly to sprinting.
The Commonwealth Games may not be in sight, but that left me wanting more – I knew I had more in the tank, and all I wanted to do was get out there again and better the time – I was hooked.
A big thank-you is due to Steve and his coach, Peter Irving, for allowing me to join in. I had a blast, and I wish you all the best for Glasgow.
