The 400m athlete on her Tokyo disqualification, how she thrives under the relay pressure and her hopes for a mixed relay spot in Paris

Nicole Yeargin made her Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021 as everything she had been working towards finally fell into place. Representing Team GB in the womens 400m final was exactly what she had hoped for but it didnt go to plan for the American-based Scot, despite finishing third in the semi-finals.

Initially believing that her third-place finish had secured her a spot in the final, she was later disqualified due to a lane infringement, dashing her hopes of competing for that Olympic medal.

It was a painful ending to what had been a successful season for the 26-year-old. Yeargin was, and still is, third on the Scottish all-time womens 400m list after posting an Olympic qualifying time of 50.96 at the NCAA Championships that year.

I was young. I had just graduated college at the time, I had just come off a great season at the NCAA Championships, says Yeargin.

Coming off the Games during such a high season, I learned how to adapt to it. I had a fear of getting back in my lane and for the first couple of races after the Olympics you are thinking: Dont do that. It makes you think more.

When I look back at it, I really had mental anxiety and I didnt know it was anxiety at first, I thought it was just stress.

Coach always told me you have 24 hours to bask in your glory or cry and be negative. It was a big turn around, it sucked at first and I think your first loss is always going to be your hardest, but I am back at the Olympics three years later.

However, that wasnt the end of Yeargins Olympic journey in 2021 as she had the chance to prove her potential in the relays the event at which she feels she excels.

Yeargin was part of the mixed 4x400m team, alongside Nicklas Baker, Emily Diamond and Cameron Chalmers, who finished in sixth place (3:12.07).

Towards the end of the Games Yeargin had one last chance to get on that podium in the womens relay. Despite the grit and determination of the team, she, Jodie Williams, Emily Diamond and Ama Pipi took fifth place (3:22.59).

I didnt let my DQ set me back because I still had to run the relays, says Yeargin. If I had just got DQd and that was it, then I would probably be a little salty but the relays helped me get out of that groove.

However the British team have been proving themselves in the last few years after winning two bronze medals at the World Championships in Eugene and Budapest.

Yeargin, who was part of those line-ups, is soaking up the pressure of gaining another medal.

Its pressure but its good pressure. Everyone is getting faster but so are we, she says.

We have so many legs running fast this year and we have some great guy runners this year as well.

I think, coming off Tokyo, we got fifth in the womens and sixth in the mixed we are definitely going to crush that up this year.

Even when I am down, and you think I am not doing well in the season I always come through for the relays and I cant wait to show them what Ive got.

I will be competing after the Olympics which is new for me, I usually end [my season] after the championships so I am really happy to be in a good head space to be able to knock out some more races post Olympics.

In 2022 Yeargin also landed Commonwealth Games relay bronze for Scotland but she already has a goal in mind when it comes to stepping on that purple track in Paris.

Coach said: I just need you out there and do what you always do, split a 49 and I was like: Well Im going to do more than that.

Ive run 49s in the past two years and I havent run that fast as an individual so I have some confidence behind me, and we can go a little faster than that.

The mixed relay is going to be hard but I am up for it. I am 100 per cent there and, if they need me, I will be in.

When you first hear Yeargin speak, her American accent might be the most noticeable thing.

Raised in Maryland, she qualifies to compete for Team GB thanks to her mother, who was born in Dunfermline.

When I explain it to people I think its normal and I still have family living in Scotland, says Yeargin. My mum was born and raised in Scotland her whole life, so I just have a different accent.

I dont trash talk the Americans but, at the end of the day when you get on that track, you are my enemy.