A surprise inclusion, 27-year-old Brier will represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland in both the women’s 4x400m relay and the mixed 4x400m relay, making her World Championship bow.
For Hannah, the call-up came as a total shock and a bit chaotic with the quick turnaround. All ready for an end-of-season holiday to Turkey, where friends are getting married, she had packed her bags and was almost out of the door for the airport when the phone rang to say she had the call-up.
When the excitement of a first Word Championship with the British team subsided, she had to quickly contact Neath Port Talbot council to tell them she’d still be off on annual leave – but for three weeks, not just a few days.
Then, she called the approximate 30 children she’s currently working with.
“I had to say, ‘look, I’m going to be gone for three weeks, but there’s a good reason for it’,” explained Hannah.
“They Google my name, and that is quite funny, because some were like ‘I can’t believe you kept this a secret from us, this is why you’re so positive all the time’.
“I do hope that some aspects of my athlete life transfer into the lives of these young people.
“My lifestyle’s a bit chaotic, because I do that on the 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, and then I train, either before work, or after work, and then compete on weekends.
“So, it’s, it’s a lot, but, for me, I think it works really well, because they both complement each other.
“A bad day on the track, is not a bad day in reality when I’m dealing with some really, really big issues.
“It really helps, it puts everything, everything into perspective, and I do really love it.”
Brier is now hoping to emulate her brother, Joe, who was part of the mixed 4x400m relay team that won World Championship silver in 2022.
Britain’s women’s 4x400m team have won bronze at the last two World Championships and last summer’s Olympics but can Hannah gain a medal this time?
“It is the aim, it would be amazing if we could do it, it would be a great way to finish this off.”
A spokesman for Neath Port Talbot Council said it is “incredibly proud” of Hannah, one of its youth and community workers.
“Alongside her elite athletics career, including appearances at two Commonwealth Games and multiple international championships, Hannah is a dedicated member of our youth service, helping young people who are not in education, employment or training.
“Good luck Hannah — Neath Port Talbot is cheering you on!”
[Lead image: World Athletics]
