Role Models

Whether you realise it or not, someone is looking up to you. A friend, a family member, a colleague and at some point, you’ll be the example they follow.

That might feel intimidating, or it might be inspiring. Either way, if you know you're going to be a role model, it makes sense to try and be the best one you can be.

What kind of role model do you want to be?

When you think about that, you’ll probably reflect on the people who have influenced you. A favourite teacher, an inspiring manager, a teammate you admired.

For me, two people stand out.

My Favourite Teacher: Trevor Rodwell

Trevor was my secondary school PE teacher. He was a brilliant athlete in his own right, winning multiple English Schools titles, competing internationally, and coaching an 800m Olympian.

I first met Mr Rodwell when I was in primary school. He came in to take our athletics club for a session, and even at nine years old, I could see how passionate and knowledgeable he was. I loved every second of it.

I chose to go to Brockhill Park school just because of him.

Every lunchtime, I’d look at the school records on the wall, then ask him what times he ran at my age. I’d let him know I was going to run faster.

When I won my first English Schools title at 16, he drove six hours from Kent to Gateshead to watch me race. Four years later, I was able to get him tickets to watch me in the Olympic final at London 2012.

Trevor was special to me because he cared about me beyond the athlete I was becoming. And he still does.

A Role Model Athlete: Dai Greene

As an athlete, I’ve been lucky to have great role models. But one stands out: Dai Greene.

Dai is one of the best British 400m hurdlers of all time—a World, European, and Commonwealth champion.

I met him when I was 19 at the University of Bath. He was at the top of his game, world number one, and I was the young up-and-comer. I’d gone from 106th to 6th in the world, was the European U23 champion, and ranked second behind him in Britain and Europe.

This is where Dai had a choice about the kind of role model he wanted to be.

He could have seen me as a threat and kept his distance, left me to fend for myself. That happens all the time in sport. But he took a different approach.

He gave me advice, pushed me, and drove me to be better. He understood that steel sharpens steel. If I improved, I would push him to do the same.

Dai showed that giving to someone else doesn’t take anything away from you. If anything, it makes you better.

He may not have set out to be my role model, but he had a lasting impact on me.

How Are You Showing Up?

You might not realise it, but you’re shaping the people around you every day.

So, what kind of role model do you want to be?

Until next time,

Jack

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