Moses Aregbesola Sprinter

Moses is a 100m and 200m sprinter who dreams of one day competing internationally. He tells Sundried about life as a sprinter.

Have you always been into sport?

I have always been interested in sports and athletics is where I have had the most success. From a young age, I tried a variety of sports from basketball to hockey because I am always eager to learn new skills. If I wasn’t focused on athletics, I would have been doing handball where I played to a high level, finishing 2nd place in national finals when I was only 11 playing in an older age group. I was also a keen footballer. I played centre-back and was known as the ‘unstoppable defender’ because of how quickly I shut-down strikers and counter-attacks. I’ve always been into sport as it is full of excitement, new challenges, and structured training.

What made you decide to enter the world of sprinting?

I have a love for sprinting. I love doing athletics because I relish embracing the challenges it brings mentally and physically to the body; then competing with others who bare the same pain to be the best.

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

My favourite race to date was my English Schools 4x100m relay. This is my favourite race because I was able to compete with my rivals that I’ve challenged to get to this position during the season. Therefore, everyone on the team earned their place. For once, my rivals were also my teammates and we were able to work together despite the odds. Although, we weren’t the fastest relay team qualifying at 8th place, due to the hard work we put in and bonding over the championships, we were able to push forward in the final finishing in 4th place.

And your proudest achievement?

My biggest achievement was being able to compete at English Schools during my first serious season taking up my events 100m and 200m. The experience of facing the best athletes in the country that I always heard about was spectacular, as we came together to race for number one.

Have you ever had any racing disasters / your toughest race yet?

English Schools 100m was the toughest race that I’ve been placed in. It was difficult for me as I wasn’t used to the pressure of racing in front of a sea of people as well as being broadcasted online. It felt like I wasn’t racing for myself but for others that were supporting me throughout my journey.

How do you overcome setbacks?

In 2016, I was required to miss a season's training and competing but I recovered enough to compete for both club and country events in 2017. This was the biggest challenge in my athletic career so far; reason being is because I was still determined to get back on the track to train and compete even though I was deemed unfit for a year. Being competitive is a strength as well as a weakness. It kept me going throughout my injury so my rivals don’t get too far ahead but also held me back due to issues such as re-injuring myself along the way.

It’s devastating when you put in hours and hours of work to move forward then end up moving several steps back. There have been different obstacles I have been faced with and that I have overcome through my own efforts; through three main concepts which are faith, consistency and hard work. It came to my understanding that it is all about the bigger picture. Setbacks are what makes it more interesting to look at.

What is the best bit of advice you wish someone had told you before you started competing?

‘You reap what you sow’. This means that whatever effort you put in to what you are doing, is what you will get out of it. Sprinting is an individual sport and there are no teammates to rely on. Thus if you want to achieve something, you must put the work in beforehand.

What are your goals for 2018?

My goals are about me claiming my titles that I may have lost such as Kent 100m and 200m champion due to my injuries. Then, to work my way up the UK rankings and reach top 10 in either 100m or 200m. Finally, accomplish my goal of competing internationally.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

I have many role models that I am inspired by; too many to pick. Collectively, they inspire me in a multitude of ways. These vary from elite athletes, teammates, rivals and coaches. They give me the drive to accomplish and focus on my goals.

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I love the fact that the brand takes steps to go further and make things better than how it was found originally. Sundried respects the environment as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle to rub off on others. I share the same beliefs and strong values as Sundried. Every purchase made includes a charitable donation, which is something many companies lack ethically. This falls in-line with what they believe in making things better than how it was found. Regarding the kit, I love the Grande Casse men’s hoodie. The fitted appearance and its comfort in movement is something that I always look for and the hoodie does just that.