DIARY OF AN ATHLETE

Written by Trackandmemes, 17 August 2023

It only took one competition for Nafy, a young athlete aged just 15, to become the talk of the town. It happened at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), when she took the gold medal while shattering the Belgian record. The record now belongs to her, with a performance of 17 meters and 44 hundredths.

Nafy Thiam, her competition debut

During the last two athletics seasons, I had an Osgood-Schlatter, which prevented me from fully continuing with my combined events. With my former coach Yvon Henin, we concentrated on throwing events because they put less pressure on my knee. That's when I started competing in the throws, more specifically the shot put and javelin. After winning the LBFA championships in Belgium, I continued with the throws... When I changed clubs, my current coach helped me work on my technique and improved it enormously. He motivated me to take part in the U18 EYOF, which was a great experience.

Gold medallist at the EYOWF, having already won gold at the U18 European Championships... It's fair to say that this season belongs to you! But how do you explain your meteoric rise?

Yes, it's been a great season, but it's not over yet. One objective has been achieved, but there are still the LBFA and the Belgian championships where I hope to make progress in the javelin.

As far as progress is concerned, I'd say that my old coach and my new coach are responsible for it. I learnt a lot of the basics with my old coach, and when I arrived in Liège, I worked a lot on technique and more specific bodybuilding exercises... It was quite a job!

And if we zoom in on the EYOFs, what would there be to know?

Honestly, it's very stressful to be out there. Going to a major championship like this gave me a lot of stress. I was afraid of 'disappointing' the Team or of doing badly. It was a different kind of stress management! But I think it made me grow.

The athletes from the different countries were really nice. The organisation was really well done, so there were no problems! As far as Team Belgium is concerned, the atmosphere and the cohesion of the group are well and truly present. Despite some failures and disappointments on the part of some Belgians, everyone supported each other and came to encourage the others during their events.

Nafy Thiam... Nafissatou Thiam... This confusion between two successful Belgian track and field athletes recently made the headlines! But surely this isn't the first time you've been confused, is it?

Being called Nafy Thiam isn't easy in Belgian athletics circles, where comparisons are made on the incomparable! It's just a name I bear and no comparison should be made 🙂

Do you have any other passions outside athletics?

To be honest, no. Most of my time is taken up with athletics. I love sport in general! Aahhh Yes! Any other hobbies? I'd say I love to eat, I can't resist a good dish😂

An inspiration?

I'd have to say Nafissatou Thiam and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. They're my favourite athletes. I think they have incredible mental strength. After each injury, they both got back on their feet... They manage to perform over the long term and never give up. I find that really incredible, inspiring and motivating.

And how are you managing this sport with your studies?

As far as studies and sport are concerned, I'm doing well at the moment. It's true that I have to organise things differently because my training journeys are much longer, and I often get home late. But at my school, the teachers are aware of my status as an athlete. I've been entitled to certain adjustments at school to help me cope as well as possible.

And Nafy Thiam, outside the athletic sphere, how would you describe her?

As someone who is very open to others. I'm a very smiley person, I like to bring joy to those around me. I'm not a shy person in general. I talk a lot and I laugh a lot!

How are you coping with the future now?

Haha I get asked that question a lot. I've got several options for my future events... I'm currently discussing them with my coach... But whatever happens, I'll continue to do my best and maybe bring some medals back to Belgium. 😉