Updated: Jul 11
The Athlete’s Studio is a new online interview series by New Wave magazine that creates a virtual space where athletes step beyond the arena to explore the artistry behind them and their craft. In candid conversations, they share personal insights into their sporting journeys, creative passions, and the ways sport and culture intersect. From performance to self-expression, The Athlete’s Studio shines a light on athletes as innovators, storytellers, and makers of culture.
Photographer- Elliot Huntley
Stylist - Fatma Maalow
Make Up - Elda Kastrati
MD - Eugenie Kim
Our first guest is Amber Anning, the trailblazing sprinter whose achievements on the track are matched by her unique perspective on creativity, resilience, and the concept of success. Amber Anning is a world champion, she is a symbol for many. At just 24, she’s already broken the British 400m record, becoming a two-time Olympic medallist, and yet, somehow, she still feels like she’s just getting started.
In this conversation, we sit with Amber to explore the woman behind the medals, the faith, sacrifice, personality, and vision that fuel her life on and off the track.
I think it happened after I moved to America in 2019 on a scholarship. Until then, the track was just pure joy. I loved traveling, competing, meeting new people, and embracing different cultures. But once I was deep in the U.S. collegiate system, I felt the shift. Over there, it’s all about winning. If you’re not performing, you’re sidelined. It got to a point where I was running out of pressure, not passion.
Over the last year though, my journey with Christ helped me recenter. I began to see the track as a gift, something I do to honor God. My perspective changed and this is not just about medals anymore. It’s about inspiring others, making a mark, and enjoying the journey without getting lost in the noise.
To be honest? Disappointment! At first. I came fifth in the Olympic final, and I had gone in expecting to win a medal. I knew I was capable. I was frustrated with my execution in that race. But then I saw the time and realized I’d broken the national record. That was a moment of relief.
It took a while to process, but coming home and feeling the love from my community made it real. It reminded me that even if I didn’t walk away with a medal, I still achieved something historic.
Time. Time with friends, family, and even myself. Living in America for five years, I barely came home. I missed watching my sisters grow up, missed my dog as a puppy, missed birthdays and milestones.
It’s hard. You’re at the track six days a week, constantly focused on nutrition, recovery, mental health, sleep… It’s all-consuming. But I know what I’m building. I’m building something I can give back and that is what keeps me going.
Always. I think about the girl who ran for fun, before the medals, before the pressure. That version of me just loved the track, loved her teammates, loved showing up and doing her thing. I carry her with me every time I run.
And then there are the kids watching now, especially young Black girls. I want to show them what’s possible. That they can do this and more.
Being Black and being a woman in this world comes with its weight. In sport, it’s magnified. But I’m proud of who I am. And I think we’re finally seeing more Black women in the spotlight, not just competing, but using their voices, showing their style, and owning their platforms.
I want to be part of that movement. I don’t just want to be the “fast girl.” I want to be everything. Athlete, advocate, creative. All of it.
My family. My faith. The people who knew me before any records were broken.
Also - food, honestly. I’m a huge foodie! My boyfriend and I are always out trying new restaurants. I also love building Lego (even though it’s surprisingly expensive), binge-watching Gossip Girl, and I recently joined a book club.
All those little things remind me I’m more than just a runner.
Style is self-expression. I haven’t fully stepped into it yet, but I want to. I love how athletes like Sha’Carri [Richardson] are unapologetically themselves, the nails, the hair, the outfits. It’s about showing personality, not just performance.
Social media doesn’t always reflect my style, but I’m working on it. I want to bring more of that part of me to the surface.
Coach. I love their bags, they offer that balance between classy and cool. It's an attainable luxury. I’d also love to partner with skincare or beauty brands. I use Bio-Oil, Fenty Beauty… I’d love to explore that space more.
My parents. My mum especially always reminds me that I’m not just an athlete. She pushes me to explore more sides of myself, and to never get stuck in one box. That’s the energy I carry with me. I want to be limitless.
It helps, in theory. In practice, I’m still learning. I have a private account where I post more freely, but I’m working on being more open on my public page too. Being authentic online is tricky when you have a bigger audience, but I want to get better at showing the real me.
I want to give back. I’ve thought about building an indoor track in the UK, we don’t have enough of those, and it could change lives. I want to create opportunities, especially in my community. I want my name to mean something more than medals.
A force. Someone who didn’t just run, but inspired. Who made people feel seen. Who gave back. Who stayed resilient. Who broke the records.
This is an indication that Amber Anning is not just here to win. She’s here to lead, to build, and to leave something behind that matters. And I will tell you to watch out for her next lap.
