Neuff Ambassador Fact File: Tobi Ayorinde

With speedy sprinters a staple fixture in his home country, Tobi Ayorinde was always going to do wondrous things on the track!

Originally from Nigeria, Tobi only decided to seriously pursue becoming a sprinter upon moving to the UK, and he has since gone on to become a massive star in his local athletics community!

A core member of Reading AC, Tobi has committed himself to achieving several admirable feats as a sprinter over the past few years, dazzling competitors and spectators alike with his steadfast loyalty to competitions and training.

How did you get into athletics?

I was raised in Nigeria. Everyone around me growing up was just really quick.

Then, upon moving to the UK and starting university, I wanted to find something to help me better balance out my life and education. I then decided to look into sprinting with more depth to see what it would feel like. From where I started, I’ve gone on to become Berkshire County 400m champion and compete at the South Of England Championships, which is crazy to me!

What are the biggest lessons you've learnt over the years?

I would say commitment. Once you are committed to the various things you’re involved in, it becomes a lot easier to manage as a whole.

What is the community like at Reading AC?

They’re a really good club.

From the moment I stepped foot into their facilities, they’ve encouraged me massively. They provided me with the opportunity to coach the U13’s and U15’s, which has enabled me to pour back into the younger generation who are just getting into the sport. I’ve been able to pass on the knowledge and skills that they’ve imparted to me to the athletes that I coach. They really are a great community. 

What's it like to coach the younger generation whilst competing yourself?

It’s so amazing to pour into the younger athletes.

My coach told me that once I started coaching, I’d begin to look at everything I was doing in a whole different way. This ended up being true. You begin to question whether or not you are doing things correctly yourself!

I also got the opportunity to learn from my own mistakes in showing the athletes what to do and what not to do. For example, I compete a lot more than I train. As a coach, I encourage my athletes to train as regularly & consistently as possible to avoid following in my footsteps.

As a Pharmacology student and ICP Analyst, how does your knowledge and experiences with the science behind athlete performance ultimately affect your approach to training and competitions?

I’m not your go-to athlete when it comes to dieting. I generally just eat whatever I want, and hope for the best!

My coach is often telling me to look into my diet and how big of an impact your eating habits have on your body and overall performance. For me, I’d rather just be myself. 

With Pharmacology, it’s given me important information on what drugs not to take as an athlete. With me having a wider knowledge base of the different drugs, I am now more aware of the potential side effects as well, which is helpful for me. 

What was the biggest adjustment that came with moving from Nigeria to the UK?

The weather!

Since the beginning of this year, it’s been raining non stop. It’s not like that in Nigeria!

I much prefer to be in the warmer climate as opposed to the colder temperatures. It’s too cold over here in the UK! Whatever the weather, I tend to wear my jacket everywhere just to be safe.

As a sprinter who also actively coaches others, what brings you the most joy out of being an athlete coach, and how does it aid you in your own athlete development?

Seeing my athletes run new personal bests and break club records in their respective events brings me a lot of joy.

Since coaching my group, I’ve been able to take on new challenges such as Park Run. In years gone by, I would never have stepped up to running anything longer than 400m. My group has set a goal for me that by the end of this year, I need to be able to run a 20-minute park run.

A lot of my group take part in a lot of longer-distance running as well, so we get to race against each other on the weekends during Park Run, which is great fun!

What were your main responsibilities as a former president of the Afro-Caribbean society?

I was in charge of around 250 students. It was something I had to balance alongside being a full-time student. I was in charge of planning various social & academic events for the students. I had a lot of fun doing it!

What makes you most proud of your heritage?

I really look up to my parents. They always give 100% effort in everything that they do.

Seeing how determined they are, it’s encouraged me to know that I too will see the fruits of my labour. My father also competed in athletics whilst he was in university in Nigeria.

I’ve tried to encourage my sister to take up sports as well, but she doesn’t seem to be interested!

What helps you relax to take your mind off things?

If I’m being honest, I would say the track. From the moment I step onto the track, I’m able to block everything else out.

If I’m not running, I’m running. If I’m not sprinting, I’m still sprinting! Whether it’s longer runs like ParkRun or my normal sprints, I’m always running in one way or another.

What are your go-to meals?

I try to keep things simple.

On a competition day, I’ll have sausage, sourdough bread, eggs & fruits. I’ll normally take some sweets and electrolytes along with me as well. My diet depends on the type of competition that I’m going to.

What made you want to become a Neuff Ambassador?

I wanted to be a part of what Neuff does in helping others and creating community. I love being around great people, and I sought to align myself with Neuff in pursuit of being influenced in a helpful and positive manner.

How did it feel to be informed about your successful application?

I literally jumped out of bed! I was so filled with joy!

I’d previously applied and hadn’t been selected, so to now receive the email that I had been chosen was a great feeling.

Being associated with a brand like Neuff that is willing to invest in me as a person, as opposed to me as an athlete, is great as well.

Interviewers: Destiny Ogali & Jack Henderson

Transcription: Destiny Ogali

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Emil is just one of several athletes that make up Neuff's increasingly popular ambassador team.

Comprising of athletes from all ages, events and backgrounds, our ambassadors are living proof that anything is possible in athletics, and we proudly champion everyone who we welcome on board to our team!

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