Raise Your Game: How did you first get involved in athletics?

Julie Hamzah: Do you want the truth? (laughs). I was in town and my coach stopped me outside Primark. He told me about athletics so I started coming.

RYG: What does it take to become a world class athlete?

JH: I think you need to put your heart into it and do your best.

RYG: What have you learnt from athletics?

JH: I've met loads of different people. And I've learnt that you should try everything.

RYG: Do you think everyone should participate in sport regardless of their ability?

JH: I think everyone should get out there and try something, rather than just sitting around playing computer games. I especially think people with disabilities should get out there and try sport.

RYG: What does a typical week's training involve?

JH: I train three times a day. I do two sessions a week at UWIC and one in Pontypool. The one in Pontypool is really tiring. There you push yourself on rollers and it's really hard.

RYG: Which athletes inspire you?

JH: Jamie Baulch. I think he's quite cute (laughs). I'm also inspired by Colin Jackson and Iwan Thomas.

RYG: What are your goals and ambitions for the future?

JH: I went to the Commonwealth Games in Australia and I came seventh out of 10 because I was doing the shot put over there and my pole snapped. I'm hoping to get to the Olympics and I'm hoping to get the gold.