Athlete Hannah Williams FAULT Photoshoot and Interview

Hannah Williams X FAULT Magazine

Photography: Jack Alexander

Styling: Thomas George Wulbern

Makeup: Olly Fisk Using Zoeva

Styling Assistant: Thomas Brackley

Hannah Williams is the multi-talented Team GB athlete people can’t stop talking about. While she started running for GB back in 2015, she has set the fashion world on fire, modelling for campaigns for Superdry, Puma, JD Sports and many others. We caught up with Hannah to discuss her inspirations, career and of course, her FAULTs.

How did you begin your journey?

Hannah Williams: When I was about 8 or 9 my sister Jodie was already competing at a high level within athletics so I decided that I would give it a try, as she seemed to be loving it and doing really well. I started to take it seriously when I was about 15 – when I set my sights on qualifying for the World Youth Championships, and haven’t looked back since.

At one point did you feel you could do running professionally?

Hannah Williams: It had never really crossed my mind until I was about to leave school. I really couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to study at university, so instead of uni I decided to see what I could achieve after putting all my efforts into athletics for a year alongside working to fund myself. That year I got my first international medal – a bronze medal at European juniors and I turned professional after that.

How do you stay committed to training?

Hannah Williams: For me staying committed to training is reasonably easy, as an athlete you always have your eyes set on the next goal and are always working towards something. For me that goal is the Olympics next year, and to achieve that there is no option to be uncommitted as you are only cutting yourself short.

How has lockdown affected training?

Hannah Williams: Lockdown affected training a lot, I really struggled at the beginning of lockdown as I had never trained by myself which was really challenging at the beginning. It was also hard not having access to a track and a gym, however, I began to get used to it and adapt by doing bodyweight home workouts and running at my local park. I learnt and understood a lot more about my training as I had to correct myself and my technique during training and not always rely on my coach. And I think for me having that understanding myself has helped my training a lot and has been invaluable.

Can you tell us a bit more about how you came to work with Puma/be a Puma ambassador?

Hannah Williams: I got sponsored by Puma in 2017 after getting a bronze medal in the 400m at European Juniors. I had always wanted to work with Puma and was so happy when they reached out – they are an absolutely amazing company to be with.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

Hannah Williams: I would say my proudest achievement to date would be winning British Championships this year. Mainly because I struggled a lot through lockdown and keeping motivation when there were no confirmed competitions was really hard, I managed to keep consistently training and put so much hard work in over lockdown, and for that to all pay off was just the most amazing feeling.

What are your plans for 2021 and beyond?

Hannah Williams: My plans for next year include qualifying for the European indoor championships and the Olympics. Beyond that I would like to be consistently making teams and getting medals.

And finally, what is your FAULT?

Hannah Williams: My FAULT is that is that I am constantly looking forward towards the next goal and very rarely appreciating the present and what I’ve already achieved