Young and Driven - Danielle Alakija - Olympian

Here at Female All Rounder, we love to see young women who are chasing their dreams and setting an example to other young women out there. This month, our Female All Rounder of the Month, is Miss Danielle Alakija, She's a 17 year old Olympian and was the youngest track athlete when she competed in the London 2012 Olympics. As Rio 2016 approaches, we sIt down to have a chat with Miss Alakija...

At what age, did you decide you wanted to do something different from the norm?

As strange as it seems I never decided I wanted to do something different, because for me this was perfectly normal. I had grown up playing sports and running so it seemed perfectly natural, that I would spend all my time running. So to answer your question I never made the conscious choice to be different. I just was.

How did you get started with Athletics?

I've been running competitively since I was about 7 years old. But my parents always joke that I ran before I could walk, so I guess the correct answer is all my life!

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

Seeing how what I've done has inspired other kids to get up and follow their dreams.

What are some of your greatest challenges in being a track athlete?

I am not a morning person at all, so having to get up early for training is always a struggle, but the hardest part of being a track athlete, or any athlete really is balancing the world's expectations against your own. You have to know where to draw your own line and have your own goals as opposed to listening to the media and letting the outside world influence your inside thoughts.

What else are you passionate about?

I love writing actually, almost as much as I love to run. If I'm not at the gym or at the track, then I've got a pen in my hand. I've been known to run out of paper and start writing on my arms just so I don't lose my train of thought.

Which three people would you most like to invite to a dinner party (famous or otherwise) and why?

There are about a million people I would like to have dinner with so you're just going to have to bear with me. First off, I would invite Whitney Houston, just to hear her sing( and to ask her to teach me how to).

Secondly, I would invite King Phillip V and ask him where the San Miguel sank, and was it true that she was carrying over 2 billion in gold bullion.

And last, but definitely not least, I would invite Oscar Wilde simply because I have read everything he has written and I would welcome any chance to bring his words into the world again.

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?

The Olympics, which sounds odd because it is without a doubt the best decision I've ever made, but at the time it was a lot to consider. I was a 14 year old looking at giving up her teenage years in order to chase a dream (pun intended). Though now, looking back, I can honestly say I'm happy with how that one turned out.

What's the biggest mistake you've made so far and how did you overcome it?

Well, I remember one time I wore red with pink, and it was just an absolute disaster. Just kidding. I don't like to think of things as mistakes, because everything serves a purpose in life, even if it is just to teach you a lesson. But I do remember getting my exam schedule confused one day and studying for the wrong paper. That is something I won't be doing again.

In your opinion, what are the top 3 qualities a well-rounded female should have?

1.Time management is always key, no matter what you do, but it is especially important for athletes.

2.Discipline too, not just with time but everything you do, including diet and even when you go to bed.

3.The last one would probably be a sense of humour, being an athlete is difficult at the best of times, and when things get tough you need to know how to laugh and have fun.

Are you looking forward to Rio 2016 and do you have any expectations?

Expectations. Not my favourite word. I think this far out from the games it's not a good idea to be setting expectations. Obviously, you go into competitions looking to do your best and hoping to win, but you also have to be realistic in your goals. That being said, in 2016, I'd like to be a double Olympic champion in the 400m and 200m, and I'll see you all there!

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