Athletics twins Laviai and Lina Nielsen on the joy of finally racing together
The Nielsen twins knew the question was coming. Their British 4x400m relay teammates, Ama Pipi and Jessie Knight, knew the question was coming. Everyone knew tears would also likely be coming.
"So, Lina, Laviai," posed Olympics.com to the athletics siblings who were standing with the other half of the squad, the quartet puffing lightly after their recent exertions. They had just won world indoor bronze in Glasgow, in a British record time of 3:26.36.
"How did it feel to finally win an international relay medal together?"
The question was loaded.
With so much back story to Lina Nielsen and Laviai Nielsen's journey, the bronze medal won in front of a roaring British crowd in March, was a special, special moment.
"It is something that we've dreamed of our whole careers," said Lina, who admitted to having a little cry just coming through the media zone.
"I have had so many setbacks, so that held back that dream, but to finally be in a healthy place, injury free, illness free, and to come together and run a really good split – we all ran really good splits – so yeah, it's really, really special, and I hope that, it's Olympic year, and I hope that we can continue that progression going into the summer."
Turning toward Laviai to get her response, the British team captain for the championships could just about manage: "So proud. Honestly, she's had so many setbacks."
The "illness" and "setbacks" to which they both refer include the renowned athlete malady of injuries, but also something else; the pair also manage multiple sclerosis (MS).
Lina and Laviai Nielsen running together at last
Lina was the first to be diagnosed with the lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and which can cause problems with vision, movement, and balance.
Showing symptoms since the age of 13, Lina was only diagnosed at 18, while Laviai's condition was recognised ahead of Tokyo 2020, in 2021, but the early treatment meant less severe symptoms than Lina.
Now 28, this is the first international relay race the pair have been able to run together.
After her 400m race at the championships, where she secured an indoor personal best of 50.89 and one-lap wonder Femke Bol achieved a world record of (49.17), Laviai spoke about what racing with her sister would mean to her.
"We're really, really excited," said Laviai, who was part of the women's 4x400m relay team that came fifth in Tokyo 2020. "I think it's crazy because when she races, I get nervous, so I wonder how it would feel watching her race and then having to get the baton from her! But I'm hoping those nerves will give us the extra push to get a medal in front of this home crowd."
After that prediction came true, Lina posted her thoughts on Instagram:
"My sports psych asked me how I would define success this weekend and I replied, “Actually running!”
"This was my 5th senior GB team but the first time racing healthy.
"My first global medal. A British record 🥹🇬🇧
"This weekend was so special, thank you to everyone who’s made this journey possible and for all the support along the way! Onwards to a hopefully special outdoor season!!"
Laviai needed few words to describe her feelings, posting below the comment: "🥹 passing to you in a world championship >>>>".
The ultimate dream would be to race together at an Olympic Games, with the first phase of that opportunity happening at the World Relay Championships taking place in the Bahamas from 4-5 May. The top 14 teams out of 32 automatically qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, "so there’s a lot to fight for," posted Lina.
"I’m grateful as one of my goals this year is to establish myself in the British relay team and now I’ll be one of the girls that helps qualify us for the Olympics!! Let’s goooo!!"
Two more congratulatory comments under Lina's post about the twins' involvement in the team medal came from none other than Bol herself, posting three heart emojis, while another Dutch 400m specialist, Laura de Witte, who also has a sister in the sport, saying: "I'm so proud of you and your sis!! Loved seeing you both shine 🤩🥉".
But there was another message that would likely mean even more to the twins, whose objective in speaking out about their challenges is to help others.
One responder wrote: "What an utter inspiration you ladies are - my MS makes the daily trip to the gym super hard work but you’re both shining a light on what’s possible with MS, thank you and massive congratulations to you, the relay squad and team GB - now bring on the Olympics 🔥👏🙌".
- As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024. Click here to see the official qualification system for each sport.