Brier takes a break from work to fly the Welsh flag in Tokyo

AS role models go, Neath Port Talbot’s teenagers have a good one in Hannah Brier.

- CHARLIE BENNETT

The 27-year-old is a youth worker by day, helping kids facing issues such as homelessness and mental health illnesses get their lives back on track.

By night, she trains as a 400m athlete, and this week will fly both the Welsh and British flags at the World Championship in Tokyo.

Brier is a surprise inclusion for the women’s 4x400m relay squad and will make her World Championship bow.

But sticking true to her chaotic lifestyle, she admits it has all been a bit last-minute.

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.