Advertise on podcast: Beyond The Track Podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Track, the hosts look back on a huge summer for Welsh athletics, reviewing the performances of Welsh athletes at the Commonwealth Games and European Athletics Championships. They reflect on the standout moments, superb performances, breakthrough results and surprise performances that caught the eye across both championships. From established stars delivering on the big stage to athletes announcing themselves with impressive performances, the hosts discuss the highs, talking points and memorable moments from an action-packed period for Welsh athletics. Which performances stood out most? Who produced a breakthrough moment? And which results surprised the hosts? Tune in as they look back at it all and celebrate another memorable summer for Welsh athletics.

Episode 47 of the Beyond the Track Podcast is your ultimate preview to the athletics action at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Hosts James Thie and Jenny Long take an in-depth look at the Team Wales athletics squad, breaking down every athlete selected to wear the red vest of Wales. From medal contenders and exciting newcomers to the para athletes aiming to make their mark, the pair discuss the stories, events and expectations heading into one of the biggest championships of the year. They also pick out the key rivalries to watch, highlight the must-see moments across the six days of competition, and share their predictions for how Team Wales could fare in Glasgow. Whether you're following every event or tuning into the Commonwealth Games for the first time, this is the perfect guide to Team Wales' athletics campaign.

Episode 46 – Commonwealth Games: Past Meets Present In Episode 46 of the Beyond the Track Podcast, we're joined by two Team Wales athletes from different Commonwealth Games generations. Current Team Wales para discus thrower Harrison Walsh shares the excitement of being selected for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, discussing what the moment meant to him, how he's preparing for Glasgow, and what he's looking forward to as he gets ready to represent Wales on one of sport's biggest stages. Alongside him is former Team Wales pole vaulter Sally Simpson, who reflects on her unforgettable Commonwealth Games journey, including winning silver in Glasgow in 2014. Sally shares her memories of competing on home soil, the atmosphere of the Games, and the lessons she's carried throughout her career. Together, Harrison and Sally compare past and present Commonwealth Games experiences, discussing how the event has evolved, the unique challenges and opportunities that come with representing your country, and what makes the Commonwealth Games such a special competition. From selection stories and standout memories to preparation, advice, and everything in between, this is a must-listen for athletics fans ahead of this year's Commonwealth Games.

In Episode 45, the hosts take an in-depth look at the athletes selected to represent Team Wales at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, discussing the key names, notable selections and the stories behind the squad as Wales prepares for another major international championship. The team also examine the selection criteria and what Welsh athletes will be targeting when competition begins in Glasgow later this summer. The episode also reviews the Novuna UK Athletics Championships held at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium on 20–21 June, where Welsh athletes produced a number of standout performances against the nation's best. The hosts break down the major results, championship medals, personal bests and qualification implications, highlighting the Welsh athletes who impressed most on the national stage and what their performances could mean for the remainder of the 2026 season. As always, Beyond The Track brings insight, analysis and plenty of discussion from across the Welsh athletics community as the road to Glasgow 2026 gathers momentum.

In this episode, we look back at an outstanding weekend of competition from the 2026 Welsh U14, U16, U20 and Para Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Deeside Stadium. Athletes from across Wales came together to compete for national titles, producing a weekend packed with personal bests, championship records, and memorable performances on both the track and in the field. The championships took place on 6–7 June and showcased the incredible depth of emerging talent within Welsh athletics.

In Episode 43 of Beyond The Track, the hosts review the Welsh team’s performances at this year’s Loughborough International, discussing some of the standout athletes and results from one of the key fixtures in the athletics calendar. The episode then turns into a debate as the hosts each select their greatest Welsh athlete of all time across four event groups: sprints, throws, jumps and endurance. Expect plenty of discussion, differing opinions and some difficult choices along the way. To round off the episode, the hosts put their knowledge to the test in a Wales Athletics Commonwealth Games quiz, competing against each other on some of the most memorable performances and moments in Welsh athletics history.

This episode our hosts dive into the fantastic team selected to represent Wales at the 2026 Loughborough International and the significance it may hold on some athletes chances at competing at the Commonwealth games in Glasgow, with it being the last chance for many before the nomination standards deadline the next day.With the deadline for nomination standards to be achieved looming the hosts draft five athletes sitting on a nomination B standard or yet to hit one that they believe could make their way into the team heading to Glasgow later this year.

In Episode 41 of Beyond the Track, our hosts dive into an electrifying London Marathon that delivered history, drama, and standout performances across the board. With a world record shattered and a host of incredible results, this year’s race gave plenty to talk about. James Thie was right at the heart of the action, hosting the press conference with the world record breaker. He shares unique behind-the-scenes insight into the process of getting shoes approved by World Athletics for record ratification, along with plenty of exclusive BTS detail you won’t hear elsewhere. The episode also highlights the impressive performances from the Welsh team at the London Mini Marathon, celebrating emerging talent and key results from the next generation. From elite-level analysis to insider stories, this is your complete round-up of one of the most memorable London Marathons in recent years-and much more beyond the track.

Welcome back to Beyond the Track Podcast - Season 4! Kicking off this season we are joined by Bearhug CEO, Rhys George as he talks all things Bearhug. Join us has our host finds out more about Rhys's 10 in 10 Challenge he is undertaking this year in celebration of 10 years of Bearhug.

As we reach the finale of season 3 Beyond the Track Podcast we thought we'd share highlights from the amazing guests and moments we have experienced so far.

In Episode 38 of Beyond the Track Podcast, our hosts turn their attention to a strong Welsh line up heading into this weekend’s GB & NI team at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. The episode highlights the five selected athletes-Jeremiah Azu, Issy Boffey, Abi Pawlett, Louisa Stoney, and Tess McHugh-and why they’re ones to watch on the global stage. Leading the charge is reigning 60m World Indoor Champion Jeremiah Azu, who returns looking to defend his title and continue his dominance in the short sprint. In the combined events, Abi Pawlett is in outstanding form, putting together an incredible indoor season in the pentathlon and emerging as a serious contender. Middle-distance star Issy Boffey heads into the championships at the top of her game in the 800m, bringing both experience and momentum. Meanwhile, Louisa Stoney and Tess McHugh will compete in the 4x400m relay squad, adding depth and strength to the Welsh team in one of the most exciting events on the programme. The hosts break down each athlete’s form, chances, and key storylines, while also discussing the unique demands of indoor championship racing. It’s a focused, insight-driven preview filled with excitement, analysis, and pride as Welsh athletes prepare to compete against the very best in the world.

Beyond the Track Podcast In this episode of Beyond the Track, we sit down with Welsh race walker Bethan Davies, an international athlete who has proudly represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the world stage. Known for her determination and resilience in one of athletics’ most demanding disciplines, Bethan opens up about the journey behind the results. But this conversation goes far beyond competition. Bethan shares the deeply personal story of pregnancy and childbirth that left her fighting for her life, forcing an unexpected and frightening pause in her athletic career. She speaks candidly about the physical and emotional toll of the experience, the uncertainty that followed, and the long road back to health and sport. Now a mother, Bethan reflects on rediscovering her identity as both an elite athlete and a parent. From rebuilding her body and confidence to redefining success, this episode explores what it truly means to return to sport after life-changing adversity. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, motherhood, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward - both on and off the track.

In this episode of Beyond The Track, we’re joined by James Williams, CEO of Welsh Athletics, for an insightful conversation about the present and future of athletics in Wales. James takes us behind the scenes of the sport’s development, reflecting on how athletics has evolved over the years and the key challenges that still need to be addressed for it to continue growing. From participation trends to the structures that support elite performance, he shares a candid perspective on what it takes to move the sport forward. We also dive into the importance of grassroots athletics, the role clubs and communities play in nurturing the next generation, and how collaboration with other National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can help strengthen the wider sporting landscape. Packed with honest insights, leadership perspective, and a real passion for the sport, this episode explores the barriers, opportunities, and big ideas shaping the future of athletics in Wales - and why the journey beyond the track matters more than ever.

On this episode of Beyond the Track Podcast our hosts discuss a buzzing topic in the athletics world - Power of 10 - opinions are split as they question is it needed in athletics.

In this episode, our three hosts break down a phenomenal weekend for Welsh athletics at the Novuna UK Indoor Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where Wales stormed to 15 medals - five gold, six silver and four bronze -plus a wave of Welsh indoor records. We spotlight Jeremiah Azu’s stunning sprint double (60m & 200m) as he builds toward defending his world indoor title, and Abi Pawlett breaking her own Welsh 60m hurdles record three times on her way to gold. There’s also gold for Bethan Davies in an emotional comeback victory, a commanding 800m win for Issy Boffey, and major medals across the sprints, walks and field events. From breakout performances to championship experience, we unpack what this medal haul means for Welsh athletics heading into World Indoors, outdoor season and the road to the Commonwealth games.