Usain Bolt isn’t the only athlete to star in a TV documentary this week as the countdown continues to the start of the World Athletics Championships in London on Friday.
The Jamaican sprint star may have taken all the headlines on Monday with his “I am Bolt” profile on the BBC, but on Thursday night it was the turn of Gorslas distance runner Josh Griffiths, who is the subject of an S4C documentary “Josh Griffiths: Mr Marathon.”
Following his fairytale qualification for the World Championship at the London Marathon in April, 23-year-old Griffiths has been at the centre of the athletics media spotlight.
His rise from “anonymous” club runner to Great Britain international in the space of two hours, fourteen minutes and forty-nine seconds on the streets of London would give the tale of Dick Whittington a run for its money.
Until April, Swansea Harrier Griffiths was more likely to be seen pounding the trails and cycle tracks around his Gorslas home in Carmarthenshire, than being followed around by film crews.
But it’s something he has had to get used to since becoming the focus of media attention from across the globe let alone here in Wales.
S4C cameras have been granted exclusive access to film Josh as he prepares to take his place amongst the world’s best marathon runners in London on Sunday.
The stark change in his life is something Griffiths talks about in the Welsh language documentary produced by Llanelli based Tinopolis.
“As soon as I crossed the line I was thrust into another world completely,” says Griffiths. “People wanted to hear my story whereas going into the race no one, apart from my family and friends, knew I was running. I’ve started to get used to it now and got back to training properly. I’ve not let it affect me too much.”
As a result the former Amman Valley School pupil hasn’t tampered with his self-coached training regime.
“I haven’t changed too much because what I was doing for London worked. But at the same time I’m aware I’m going to a World Championships, so I have to up my game a little. I guess the main difference for me is seeing myself as a professional runner rather than a student who runs.
“It’s more of a mental change than anything. I think of myself now as an athlete rather than anything else. I’ve earned my place on the start line, just like everyone else and I’ll just try and enjoy having the home crowd behind me.”
As well as reflecting on an incredible last few months, Thomas also looks ahead to his career beyond Sunday and next year’s Commonwealth Games, qualification for which was his original goal at the London Marathon – his first attempt at the distance.
Griffiths says: “I’ve just finished my Master’s degree in Sports Coaching at Cardiff Metropolitan University, so up until now I’ve been a student, straight from school. I was looking for work around the time of the London Marathon but things have changed a bit since then.”
The Swansea Harrier’s story should be an inspiration to every club runner and budding young athlete.
Griffiths is a great supporter of local running events and is a regular at the Parkrun held virtually on his doorstep at the picturesque Llynllechowain Country Park near his home, as well as those held in Swansea and Cardiff.
That should at least ensure him the support of the army of enthusiastic runners who take part in Parkruns every Saturday morning the length and breadth of the country.
Griffiths is well aware of the opportunity he has created for himself by making the initial transition from club runner to World Championship competitor.
“It’s every club runner’s dream to make that jump into a career in athletics but it doesn’t happen for many.
“Now I just need to do everything I can to make sure it becomes more than a possibility – I want it to be my life. Marathon runners tend to peak at around the age of 28, so I’ve definitely got time on my side. I’m really excited about what the future holds.”
Josh Griffiths: Mr Marathon. Available to watch on-demand at s4c.cymru, iPlayer and other platforms. English subtitles available.