Raise Your Game: How does it feel to compete at an elite level?

Martin Rooney: It's a great experience to race against the best runners in the world. When there are a lot of people watching it's great.

RYG: How much training do you have to do to get to the top?

MR: I'm based at Loughborough University and I'm supported by the Lottery system, so I've got everything I need. I've got a strength and conditioning coach, and physios to help me. I work with Nick Dakin, who's one of the best coaches in the country. I'm very lucky. You do have to train hard though.

RYG: How hard is it to balance your training schedule with your studies?

MR: This year I've taken a gap year, just because it's Olympic year. I want to have my mind focused. I didn't want to have to think about exams and stuff like that. They are stressful. You've got have the right balance.

I'm going to study hard next year. I'm going to train really hard and try and find the right balance and structure. I'm willing to do the work myself. If you're willing to put in the hard work, you'll be successful.

RYG: How important is attitude in this sport?

MR: You've got to have the right head on 24 hours a day. You can't be a person that wants to live a life of luxury and then get the results in athletics. You have to work hard to get the results.

RYG: Can you learn things from sport that you can take into other areas of your life?

MR: I'm at an advantage because I work within a structure. When you go into a workplace you're going to be in a structure with a boss, you're going to be with co-workers, and you've got to be able to work with them and do what you can.

The coach is the boss and I work with guys who have all got the same aims as me. It's very good in terms of life experience.

RYG: What has sport given you?

MR: Athletics is all about pushing yourself in training and on the track. You've got your coach and your training groups, but, when it comes to it, it's you that's doing the work. There's nothing better.