Young athlete Q&A: Cody Lawson

Cody Lawson is one of Southland’s most exciting young athletic prospects. The 14-year-old has sprint times matching Matthew Robertson at the same age. Mathew went on to win numerous NZ championships with running taking him to India, Australia, Japan and Canada, all potential possibilities for the young athlete.

Family, friends and football paved the path to athletics. How, and where to from here? We asked him.

What got your started?

When I was 10 a couple of dad’s mate’s kids were doing athletics and dad talked me into trying it. I remember going down not knowing what to do until I met a few of these kids who are now my best mates today.

Caption: Cody Lawson, left, with some of his training and competing mates.

You played rugby early on. Do you still?

About 5 years ago family connections had me joining Pirates Old Boys. I found my speed allowed me to run around everyone. I also started playing League a couple of years ago but stopped last year as rugby and athletics was getting too much. I’m aiming to play rugby for SBHS this winter.

What have been your best moments in athletics?

Hands down my favourite race would have to be the 400 at 2023 North Island Colgate Games. Although I didn’t win it was exciting racing as we were within 3 meters of each other the entire way and it came down to a blink at the end. Close behind would be the South Island Colgate games 400, which I did win. The time (51.8) put me on the national U18 rankings and was a factor in getting a Nick Willis scholarship at the Games.

What are you hopes athletically?

My next big one is the NZ Champs in March. I want to make the finals in 100 200 and 400. But looking further ahead I want to represent NZ overseas.

What drives you?

Doing well obviously, but I love the atmosphere and making new friends. Athletics is supposed to be an individual sport but it’s cool to be with your mates and see everyone coming together and getting improvements over the year.

Tell me about your coach and coaching.

Chris Knight is my coach. He makes training fun and two of my best mates are in the squad, which is great. While training is fun we still push ourselves. As I said before, athletics is often called an individual sport but we (squad and coach) really are a team, more a family actually.