Michael Clark - long-distance runner
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Michael Clark, long-distance runner
Michael is a 17-year-old British long-distance and cross-country runner who trains and competes in endurance events. He has represented Great Britain at under-20 level, winning a team silver medal at the 2025 European Cross Country Championships.
What next?
Have a go at Michael’'s challenge “Running faster with the help of tech”.
See what Michael has to say about the role of technology in his sports careers here.
If you could meet Micheal what would you ask him about this topic?
Let us know in the comments below.
Comments (36)
Do you use technology in your cross-country career? I don’t think it should be allowed as it alters your skills and what you can do. I think that people should train and use their natural strengths when doing competitions because they might win unfairly. What is your opinion on technology usage in sports? Many people disagree with me and think it should be allowed, so if it’s going to be used, it should at least be limited.
Can you share why you think people disagree with you?
Because i have had many replies to my opinions and other people think wxh should be allowed.
Why do you think that is will be allowed as it alters your skills and what you can do?
And why do you think that people should train and use their natural strengths?
And I also agree because it should be limited!!!
And why do you think that they would do it unfairly?
I strongly strongly disagree with using technology because this just shows what technology not what humans can do as well as that using technology can only do what it is programmed to do meanwhile humans can do anything and show off their skills.
Good day sir I want to ask how long is a cross country race
When your preparing for a cross country race do you use technology to help you or do you focus not on technology?
What inspired you to become a cross-country-runner and why?
If you had to give some inspirational advice to give to us kids what would it be?
Last but not least, is there any things that you have noticed in your runs like any problems?
Well done for asking some great questions!
How did you start to train at the beginning?
Did you feel like giving up?
How long have you done this?
Does running help with your physical appearance and stamina?
Would you like kids to become train as you are?
Does your pair of shoes affect the way you perform with or without technology?
Do you believe that technology and robots would one day take place of human runners on spot?
Do you agree that robots can be designed and programmed to run faster than humans?
I’d like to know, are you the one who encourages the more use of technology in running or you’re just a self-reliant?
Do you think that a normal person that didn’t run much distance before can one day sprint faster than a champion?
Do you believe that technology can improve your ability to stay hydrated and maintain your health to save up some time so your way faster?
How do you feel after the race?
What does your whole family feel?
Are you happy about your score?
Are the strategies used the same for everyone due to the use of technology?
Can a portly person run?
Are there specified food you eat before the run and does it help?
Hi I’m shrewd_alligator.
I have some questions that you may want to answer:
Firstly, can you please tell me if you have used technology for a better performance, for your own safety or maybe even another reason?
Next, would you mind telling me if anyone has ever used technology to an advantage, whilst in the same marathon or race as you?
Lastly, can you explain how you started your running career? Maybe it was with technology or it may just have been talent.
I would like to ask you some questions regarding your career and hopefully you will answer
Firstly ,
How did you start your running career?
How did running faster with technology help ?
Were you expecting to get a silver medal as a team at the 2025 Olympics ?
Have you ever felt off giving up on your career?
Would you be able to tell me some of your techniques on how to get to the olympics and how to be a medalist?
And lastly, how are you able to become an amazing athlete in cross country and is there any problems that you have realised what you have done whilst training and working hard anytime ?
What made you decide to become a cross-country runner ?
Also what inspirational quotes or advice would you give to young or New Cross-country runners?
I am very intrigued to know .
What encouraged you to start running?
Have you ever considered stopping running ?
Do you have any top tips to get into running ?
Have you ever considered quitting cross-country ?
What is the best experience you have had while running ?
What inspired you to become a long distance runner and how do think your life would've ended up if you haven't become one?
What pushed you to keep up the effort and never give up?
What do you think your biggest weakness would be?
Is there a required diet to be able to have enough stamina for these races?
Would you recommend other people to become like you?
How did you build your stamina up so you could start running longer distances?
What age did you start running cross-county ?
If you were to estimate this how many miles do you think that you run in 14 days ?
What is your training regime?
What was going through your head when you won a silver medal at the 2025 Olympic Games ?
What keeps your motivation up on the tough days ?
What is the furthest distance you have ever ran ?
Do you find running alone or running as a pack more enjoyable?
What do you tend to eat before a race ?
What is the most challenging thing about running cross country?
Have you ever tried another sport ?
Do you feel that you have encouraged other people to start cross-country ?
What do you feel is the hardest part of running and why ?
Have you always liked running ?
Could you imagine yourself in any other sport ?
What is your favourite part about running ?
Last but certainly not the least , do you wish that you started cross-country earlier than you did ?
HIIII I saw you on to and ever since then I have loved running! Can you say hi to my school please!!?
do you use any technology in your running career? In my opinion i think you should be not allowed to use technology because it can give the opponent a unfair advantage to the opposite team. I think its better to train yourself. Also think that having no technology makes sports more entertaning.
With these questions we have asked will they all be answers to the questions because i am really curious to know.
are there any banned tech that you thought wasn't in a race and ended up not using it? about 10% unknowingly try to use ultra-improved tech and end up disqualified. did you ever lose because of someone using technology in teir own advantage? this question might be critical if they still won.
more unrelated, but touching questions might be? on 22 November 2025, what id you feel when you got first place 2 seconds ahead of William Rabjohns? was it a mix of stress and joy, humble and understanding, or proud and cocky? a question like this could determine your personality if answered honestly. on 25 july 2025, when you got a time 14:36:19, just after the first place racer, Jack Kavanagh, did you feel disappointed in yourself, or proud as you did your best? when you so him crossing that finish line did you complete out of pure embaressment, or because you will be your best self whatever everyone would say.
my questions had touched 2 main categories, his proffesional career and his used tech, and hi personality and feelings in different situations that he faced through-out his life, making this a perfect interview.
I would ask Michael how technology helps him improve his performance without making running unfair. Do you think using advanced tech like smart watches and data analysis gives some athletes an advantage over others?
Hi I'm logical otter! I want to ask you why did you choose to be a runnering at this young age? I wonder how long it takes train and how long it took. When did you start? And who inspired you?
Can tech actually help runners break records and win easily and if so, did this make breaking records less impressive now and why?
Did tech devices alert you before that you are going to get an injury and if so, what was your reaction and what actions did you take towards it?
Did you love running from your youth or someone planted in you the love to it?
As a role model, can you recommend or give some advice to young people?
Hi topical talkers!
I’m wondering why do people like supporting the country?
Michael how did you get into running the long distance running race?
Also why do you like doing long distance running?
Last but not least, how long have you been supporting the country and why?
What started your passion for running? How do you keep going when your legs are really tired?
What was your first sight of expression when you won a silver for your country?
How did you manage pressure in critical situations(like during the event)?
What were the struggles you faced when you were a beginner?
Finally,Who supported you the most in your difficult situations?
If you didn't have all the sports technology that you do what impact would that have on your running?secondly what is your opinion on the fairness of sport technology?is it unfair for some places to have sport technology and others to not?
How did it feel like running and how do you have that skill and i want to ask how long did it take to get to the finish line?
Your really talented how you ran that much. I am really proud of you finishing at the finish line ,
wow! I cant believe you ran across the country we are all so proud of you well done but i have one question how long did it take to run across the country and why you decide to run across the country ?
What influenced you to become a runner and only be 17 years old that is an amazing idea and i am sure everyone is very proud of you
do you get to drink in the in the race and is it fun to do
Hi!! Im insprational_iceberg and i have two questions
one of them are:
Do you get cramps in your leg while your running in the marathon?
and how many gold medals have you won?
kind regards
inspirational_iceberg
Hello Michael, I have some questions for you:
1-How would races and training sessions be If tech was cancelled?
2-Over reliance on technology can drive you not to listen to your body signals so what would you do to stay cautious?
I am really looking forward to hear your response and thank you.
At which age did you start training? Did you face any problems? If yes, did you think of it as something that you worked hard for it, or you felt upset and discouraged? And finally, are you for or against the idea of using advanced equipment in competitions?
How does it feel to be a professional long-distance runner?
how do your country help you to train ? what inspered you to be cross-country runner? are you proud of your talent?explain how in which age have you knew that you have this talent? how do you talent help you in real life ? how many races have you ever won in the world?you are doing great thing to you country keep it up and never give up.