ARTICLE • PUBLISHED: 28 June 2023

Guest Blog - Alastair Chalmers, Island Games Athletics

In this edition of our Island Games guest blog series, we speak to Alastair Chalmers on his Island Games legacy, winning Guernsey's first track and field medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Olympic dreams and how he still loves the pace of Guernsey life in his downtime.

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1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first became interested in Athletics?

From a very young age, I loved playing and participating in all types of sports! My favourite was most likely football, as my friends from school were there, so it made the whole experience more enjoyable and competitive. However, athletics was always in my life from sports days to cross country races, and it was only by luck that my Dad took me down to the track at Footes Lane to try out some sprinting and long jump, where one of the Guernsey coaches saw me and asked me to attend the evening sessions to practice.

2. Over the past two years, outside space has been a saviour for our mental and physical health. How have exercise and the outdoors helped you?

The last two years have been extremely hard for the majority of people. I was very fortunate that I could return to Guernsey in 2020, and coming home to my family was great for my mental health as being isolated in the UK was hard; I struggled to train and even do my day-to-day activities. As a full-time athlete, exercise is my job and has helped me both physically and mentally. After every session, I feel proud that I've accomplished something so hard, which sets up the day nicely. You can move forward and get more done by regularly exercising and training.

3. Congratulations on winning Guernsey’s first-ever track and field medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games this Summer! Did the Games teach you anything? How did it feel to represent our island on a global stage?

The Commonwealth Games were such a highlight for me in 2022! It taught me so much and, most importantly, showed me why I do what I do. It was a difficult lead-up to the Games after contracting COVID-19 and being unable to train or do much in general before the Games played on my mind and gave me worries that I wouldn't even compete. Luckily, my family were there, which helped with the emotion surrounding the heats and final of my races. I would say this has been the most tricky part of my career, as I was going into a global competition with no clue about how my body would hold up and cope with extreme fatigue.

It's always a huge honour to represent Guernsey and Great Britain. The Commonwealth Games are the highest level I can compete in for Guernsey, so to come out and get their first-ever track and field medal made me extremely proud and emotional!

4. As this is likely to be your last Island Games - what legacy do you hope they will leave for future generations of islanders?

Competing in Guernsey is something I will cherish so much. It is where my career started and where some of my most significant breakthroughs have been, so finishing off my Island Games career there will be the perfect send-off! I want to show future generations of local athletes that coming from a small island should never hold you back in your career or life. I hope to be an idol for children in sports and particularly athletics, as it can inspire them to do things that seem crazy at the time, but having someone who has been in that same position, will give them belief and drive to pursue their dream.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to see myself still as a professional athlete. There is nothing I would rather be doing, and if I stay healthy and fit I don't see why this wouldn't be possible! I hope to have made the Olympic team for Paris in 2024 and perhaps get another medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2026, which is taking place in Australia.

6. What do you miss most about island life, and where do you visit when you’re back?

I miss how comfortable and easy Guernsey life is. Whenever I come home, it brings me back to a safe and lovely environment where I can spend quality time with family and friends. My usual things to do when coming home include adventures along the cliffs, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches, and going to restaurants.

If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch on 01481 220011 or email enquiries@locateguernsey.com.