Getting to know….. Rhys Chadwick. Edition 23.
Coming out of his shell — one lap at a time.
If you’ve been to a SAL this season, chances are you’ve seen Rhys Chadwick anchoring a relay, lining up for the 400m… or chatting enthusiastically through what was supposed to be his warm-up.
Rhys’ main event is the 400 metres, after being asked to run it at a school event and discovering he was quite good at it. Since then, the one-lap grind — and the 4×400 — have become regular features of his season.
But his favourite event?
“The 200m. I don’t get to run it much, but coming down from the 400 makes it a lot of fun!”
His proudest athletics moment so far came early — and made a big statement.
“Running sub-50 seconds at the English Championships in Birmingham. It was my first full year at the club and an amazing feeling seeing all the hard work pay off. I couldn’t have done it without my group and coaches.”
Out of curiosity, I asked AI how good sub-50 is.
It replied: “Short answer: very good.”
And it’s not wrong — sub-50 puts him comfortably in the top 1% of 400m runners nationally.
Athletics hasn’t just shaped Rhys as an athlete — it’s shaped him as a person too.
“When I first joined, I was really quiet and wouldn’t approach anyone to talk. Now you’ll see me most evenings missing my warm-up because I’m chatting to people and catching up with all the great friends I’ve made.”
If the surname sounds familiar, that’s because Rhys isn’t the only Chadwick flying the Woking AC flag — his sister Lauren, featured in Episode 17, is another regular scorer for the club.
After race day, the routine is set.
“After every event you’ll find me at a KFC with a boneless meal — with me DJing the car ride home to my dance tunes.”
This is now Rhys’ third year at the club — and while he’s best known for sprinting and relays, he’s also quietly been expanding his range.
Alongside the 400s, he’s become a part-time triple jumper (even making an A-string), and has also attempted the javelin… purely for fun.
And his fun fact?
“People might not be surprised that I like to chat — but they would be surprised to see me bouldering and flying up the walls.”
Sprinter. Relay runner. Occasional jumper. Wall-climber.
And proof that confidence grows just as much off the track as on it.
(Editor’s note: Between Rhys and Lauren, the Chadwicks have quietly solved one of every team manager’s problems — where the points are coming from. Fast, versatile, and always ready to race. 
**)**
⸻
Inspired by Rhys’ story?
Whether you’re chasing PBs, relays, confidence — or just a great group of people to train with — Woking AC has a place for you.
Come and find your stride.
seniors@wokingac.com