WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (ON FEB 24TH)
After clinching his first senior international medal and running the fastest time by a Brit in almost two decades, 800m runner Michael Rimmer is confident that 2011 is the year when he will finally make it on to the global rostrum, writes Nicola Bamford.
The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2010 campaign which began with a four-second 1500m 3:41.1 personal best before creating history by claiming a fifth straight UK outdoor title and capturing European championship silver in Barcelona in July.
Though many athletes would have been ecstatic with such achievements, Rimmer was hugely disappointed to miss out on the continental crown but his frustration turned to elation a month later when he recorded Britain’s fastest two-lap time for seventeen years with a scintillating 1:43.69 in Rieti, Italy:
“2010 was up and down - I trained hard last but held back a bit for this year,” explains Rimmer.
“The European’s were gutting as I really wanted gold but I was pleased to come back for a big PB especially after hurting the back of my knee in Crystal Palace in mid-August. I was lucky to hang on to my form and it showed what could have been – it’s given me a lot of confidence for 2011.
The time was massive and it was imperative that I ran it to move forwards – it puts me in the top world elite bracket which will help me get into any races around the world but if I want medals, I still need to run quicker.”
Priority
A former seven-time national junior champion, Rimmer has been Britain’s best senior for the past four seasons yet only just sneaked into the world’s top-ten last summer.
Although now sitting in sixth on the national all-time list and evidently still improving, the former part-time DJ is well-aware of his need to step up a final notch in order to reach the calibre of potential global medallist and he will be tested in full-force at the World championships in Daegu, South Korea this August:
“The minimum goal is to get to the final,” he reveals.
“In the past I’ve not managed to string together three good rounds but I did in the European’s and I’m working on my psychology to make sure I run good races – a medal’s the priority.
If I want to medal in the Olympics, I’ll need a minimum of 1:42 and that’s my aim this year so if the opportunity arises to race the likes of David Rudisha (the world record-holder from Kenya with 1:41.01) and Abubaker Kaki (two-time world indoor champ from Sudan) I’ll take it.”
Endurance
Coached by Norman Poole at his Manchester base and training alongside World 1500m finalist Tom Lancashire and European junior 800m silver-medallist Niall Brooks,
Rimmer is working hard to quash the critics’ view that British middle-distance running will never return to the eighties glory days when the likes of Coe, Ovett and Cram ruled the world:
Training two to three times a day, the half-mile specialist occasionally runs as much as 60-70 miles per week and refuses to jet off to sunnier climes like the majority of Team GB in search for perfection:
“I definitely feel in the best shape I’ve ever been and hopefully this bodes well for the summer,” Rimmer explains.
“Fingers crossed, I can start the season in one piece and run some really fast times.
I’ve been doing a lot of gym and endurance work this winter and don’t feel the need to go away – I just like to crack on at home and get stuck into the British weather.
I’m still improving so we like to stick to what we know works.
It’s pretty tough but I’m training smart and it’s taken four years to build up to this level. We do two weeks hard, one week easy and will then reduce the quantity in the spring.”
Positive
It is usually in the spring-time when the Liverpool runner begins to struggle with asthma and hay fever, which can seriously hinder his performances if not managed efficiently but fortunately for Rimmer, he often wears his trade-mark lucky white t-shirt under his vest in competitions.
Eager to banish the ghosts of the 2008 and 2009 seasons where he faulted on the global stage through illness and injury, Rimmer is in positive mood ahead of the forthcoming season:
“I’m itching to race and test myself. I’ll do a couple of low-key 1500m races in April to keep my endurance going as the World’s are so late then do the IAAF Diamond League in Doha in May to try to get the qualifying time out of the way as soon as
possible,” he reveals.
“I may even do the 400m or 1500m at the World trials and UK championships but I like the thought of setting an even tougher record of 800m wins there.”
A semi-finalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2009 World championships, having lost half a stone in weight through food-poisoning in China and returning from injury in the latter event, Rimmer has an additional aim aside from this summer’s global event:
“The British record (of 1:41.73 held by two-time Olympic champion Sebastian Coe)’s been there far too long – it’s due to be re-written and I’d like to be the man that does that,” he explains.
Although an important long-term aim, Rimmer’s key priority in the forthcoming seasons in understandably the Olympic Games in London next summer in a stadium where he hopes to be lucky enough to sample before the opening ceremony:
“I’ve been told I might be able to train in the new Olympic stadium three or four times in the build-up to the Games,” reveals Rimmer.
“I hope to make it feel like a home from home, learning more about the call-up areas etc.
I definitely want to make the final in 2012 and if everything goes well, I should be at my peak and hopefully get onto the rostrum.”
Having evidently served his athletic apprenticeship, Rimmer may just be about to graduate in fine style - and in perfect time for the spectacular home party next summer, too.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
The Purf-ect Speedy Student
WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (ON
This time last year, she was sidelined with a stress fracture to the knee but in the past few months long-distance starlet Charlotte Purdue has bounced back to faster than ever before and now lies on the cusp of international glory in her debut season as a senior, writes Nicola Bamford.
The diminutive 19-year-old spent much of last winter rehabilitating in the gym and pool and after only opening her season in June, subsequently had to miss the World junior championships, where she would have been a solid bet for a medal in the 5,000m.
Refusing to become despondent, however, the London-based runner sped back to lifetime-best shape after only six races on the track and stormed into the record books with a scintillating 32:36.75 British under20 10,000m record in Tipton in August to seal her selection for the Commonwealth Games in India.
For good measure and to more than make up for lost time, Purdue also obliterated her 3,000m and 5,000m personal-bests with 9:10.34 and 15:23.4, respectively - going to the number-two spot on the all-time lists for the latter.
But it was in Delhi with Team England, where Purdue – fresh from a 33.06 10km road best in Sheffield – impressed on her senior major championship debut by placing an outstanding fourth in the 10,000m and fifth in the 5,000m.
Having passed and thrived off her first taste of an international event at senior level with flying colours, the countdown to 2012 suddenly appeared more than just an Olympic dream.
Challenge
In a new season, on a different terrain, the bubbly Purdue has started her 2010/11 winter campaign where she left off – with a bang.
Capturing her first European junior cross-country crown in Portugal last December – after claiming silver and bronze in previous attempts – she progressed to take fourth amongst a world-class senior field at the Bupa Great Edinburgh international and was a clear winner of the McCain UK Cross Challenge Cardiff and Antrim legs last month.
Now, as she looks ahead to claiming her first British university title, Purdue – who has amassed an impressive twenty national medals over the past five years through the age groups – will aim to take the English national and British crowns as she steps up into the senior ranks before attempting to achieve her ambitious goals in the global championships.
“Training’s going really well – it’s all geared towards the World cross-country championships (in Spain on the 20th of March),” Purdue explained.
“I’d like to be first Brit there and have a top twenty-five finish. It’ll be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it and after the World’s, I’ll have a break and go to New York to take it easy for a few weeks.”
Heading across the Pond for some relaxation and a spot of shopping is a regular occurrence for the Nike-sponsored athlete. With her partner, Ben Lindsay – fourth in the 2008 European under23 cross-country championships – studying at Iona College in the city, Purdue enjoys making good use of her time away from competition:
“It was hard being so far apart at first but we talk via Skype every day and he follows my running,” Purdue revealed. “I always look forward to going over there for visits.”
Exciting
But before her next scheduled break in seven weeks’ time, the second-year St Mary’s university history student must stay focused on producing her next eye-catching performance.
Guided by Woods – the man who has steered a production line of prodigiously-talented athletes to international success in the past decade – Purdue juggles her studies with a heavy training workload and praises both working environments:
“The group’s success is all down to Mick. He’s coached me since aged eleven and I owe everything I’ve achieved to him,” she explained.
“We have a really nice friendship and the group are all really good friends - we all really push each other on. Steph (Twell, the 21-year-old Commonwealth 1500m bronze-medallist and her main training partner) and I are on different pathways as she’s doing the 1500m but I treat her the same as everyone else in a race.”
On combining sport with her academics in a year in which her big aim for the summer is making the GB squad for the World championships in Daegu, South Korea in late August/early September, Purdue continued:
“I don’t have too many hours of lectures as it’s more the hours of reading that are tough, but it’s manageable – reading isn’t strenuous on the body around training is it.”
Training around the university grounds and living on campus certainly helps keep her routine as relaxed as possible and Purdue is keen to thank the support she receives there:
“I have all of my sports science support and my massage (which is paid by 2004 double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes) there, as well.
I’m really grateful for her help as my mentor as well – we see each other a lot. The funding is a big help, too like when I had my knee injury – I didn’t have to worry about medical help as it was all provided.”
With aspirations to become a full-time athlete after her final-year exams in May next year – two months before the London Olympic Games - Purdue’s timing could not be better:
“It’s really, really good that the Olympics are coming to London as not only will it be great for family and friends to go watch, but also the atmosphere will be amazing and everything will be to our advantage,” she revealed.
“It’s a great opportunity and I’d love to be a part of it. My aim would be to do the 10,000m there but maybe the 5,000m, too.
It’s so exciting and I’m not daunted at all by it, I just really want to be there. I don’t think about it loads, I just focus on the next event and take every season as it comes – it’s not good if you think about something too much.”
With plenty to keep her busy in the meantime, the next seventeen months will surely fly by for this busy student, who seems destined to enjoy an exceptional post-degree celebration on the track next summer.
This time last year, she was sidelined with a stress fracture to the knee but in the past few months long-distance starlet Charlotte Purdue has bounced back to faster than ever before and now lies on the cusp of international glory in her debut season as a senior, writes Nicola Bamford.
The diminutive 19-year-old spent much of last winter rehabilitating in the gym and pool and after only opening her season in June, subsequently had to miss the World junior championships, where she would have been a solid bet for a medal in the 5,000m.
Refusing to become despondent, however, the London-based runner sped back to lifetime-best shape after only six races on the track and stormed into the record books with a scintillating 32:36.75 British under20 10,000m record in Tipton in August to seal her selection for the Commonwealth Games in India.
For good measure and to more than make up for lost time, Purdue also obliterated her 3,000m and 5,000m personal-bests with 9:10.34 and 15:23.4, respectively - going to the number-two spot on the all-time lists for the latter.
But it was in Delhi with Team England, where Purdue – fresh from a 33.06 10km road best in Sheffield – impressed on her senior major championship debut by placing an outstanding fourth in the 10,000m and fifth in the 5,000m.
Having passed and thrived off her first taste of an international event at senior level with flying colours, the countdown to 2012 suddenly appeared more than just an Olympic dream.
Challenge
In a new season, on a different terrain, the bubbly Purdue has started her 2010/11 winter campaign where she left off – with a bang.
Capturing her first European junior cross-country crown in Portugal last December – after claiming silver and bronze in previous attempts – she progressed to take fourth amongst a world-class senior field at the Bupa Great Edinburgh international and was a clear winner of the McCain UK Cross Challenge Cardiff and Antrim legs last month.
Now, as she looks ahead to claiming her first British university title, Purdue – who has amassed an impressive twenty national medals over the past five years through the age groups – will aim to take the English national and British crowns as she steps up into the senior ranks before attempting to achieve her ambitious goals in the global championships.
“Training’s going really well – it’s all geared towards the World cross-country championships (in Spain on the 20th of March),” Purdue explained.
“I’d like to be first Brit there and have a top twenty-five finish. It’ll be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it and after the World’s, I’ll have a break and go to New York to take it easy for a few weeks.”
Heading across the Pond for some relaxation and a spot of shopping is a regular occurrence for the Nike-sponsored athlete. With her partner, Ben Lindsay – fourth in the 2008 European under23 cross-country championships – studying at Iona College in the city, Purdue enjoys making good use of her time away from competition:
“It was hard being so far apart at first but we talk via Skype every day and he follows my running,” Purdue revealed. “I always look forward to going over there for visits.”
Exciting
But before her next scheduled break in seven weeks’ time, the second-year St Mary’s university history student must stay focused on producing her next eye-catching performance.
Guided by Woods – the man who has steered a production line of prodigiously-talented athletes to international success in the past decade – Purdue juggles her studies with a heavy training workload and praises both working environments:
“The group’s success is all down to Mick. He’s coached me since aged eleven and I owe everything I’ve achieved to him,” she explained.
“We have a really nice friendship and the group are all really good friends - we all really push each other on. Steph (Twell, the 21-year-old Commonwealth 1500m bronze-medallist and her main training partner) and I are on different pathways as she’s doing the 1500m but I treat her the same as everyone else in a race.”
On combining sport with her academics in a year in which her big aim for the summer is making the GB squad for the World championships in Daegu, South Korea in late August/early September, Purdue continued:
“I don’t have too many hours of lectures as it’s more the hours of reading that are tough, but it’s manageable – reading isn’t strenuous on the body around training is it.”
Training around the university grounds and living on campus certainly helps keep her routine as relaxed as possible and Purdue is keen to thank the support she receives there:
“I have all of my sports science support and my massage (which is paid by 2004 double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes) there, as well.
I’m really grateful for her help as my mentor as well – we see each other a lot. The funding is a big help, too like when I had my knee injury – I didn’t have to worry about medical help as it was all provided.”
With aspirations to become a full-time athlete after her final-year exams in May next year – two months before the London Olympic Games - Purdue’s timing could not be better:
“It’s really, really good that the Olympics are coming to London as not only will it be great for family and friends to go watch, but also the atmosphere will be amazing and everything will be to our advantage,” she revealed.
“It’s a great opportunity and I’d love to be a part of it. My aim would be to do the 10,000m there but maybe the 5,000m, too.
It’s so exciting and I’m not daunted at all by it, I just really want to be there. I don’t think about it loads, I just focus on the next event and take every season as it comes – it’s not good if you think about something too much.”
With plenty to keep her busy in the meantime, the next seventeen months will surely fly by for this busy student, who seems destined to enjoy an exceptional post-degree celebration on the track next summer.
A 'Pocket Rocket' to 2012
WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (ON MARCH 16TH)
With four medals from the past four major championships, 800m supremo Jenny Meadows has set her sights on capturing her first international gold this summer, with a view to further glory in 2012, writes Nicola Bamford.
Just a fortnight ago, the 29-year-old claimed European indoor silver to add to her impressive silverware collection which boasts global indoor silver, continental outdoor bronze and world outdoor bronze from the past two years alone.
In Paris earlier this month, Meadows ended her mixed indoor season with her latest medal after finishing a disappointing fifth in the UK 400m championship, bouncing back to a 1:59.22 season’s best in Birmingham and ahead of anchoring Team GB to the 4x400m silver medals in France just over an hour after the 800m final.
Although her achievements have been most promising since her breakthrough into world-class at the 2009 World championship event – registering 1:57.93 to go to third on the British all-time list - the ‘pocket rocket’ middle-distance runner still aches for gold:
“I am definitely one of the most consistent members of the British athletics team but I was hoping for gold and it was not meant to be,” Meadows explains.
The British number-one for the past three seasons, Meadows’ tough self-assessment derives from enjoying a successful yet injury-plagued 2010, where she recorded a national indoor record of 1:58.43 and claimed World indoor silver in Doha, Qatar.
“2010 started so well with two national indoor records and the silver but then I picked up an Achilles injury that was to last the entire outdoor season,” the eight-time national winner reveals.
“At one point, I thought that I would not be able to compete at the European Championships in Barcelona but thankfully my physio's got me to the line and I was delighted at the time to win a bronze medal.”
Indeed, Meadows was forced to miss the final of the continental trials and UK Championships but bounced back after Spain to finish fourth for Team Europe in the IAAF VTB Continental Cup in Split, Croatia to end a frustrating year.
Fundamental
Coached by her husband Trevor Painter and based in Wigan and Manchester for training, Meadows has, despite the collection of near-misses to the top spot, come a long way since her days in the one-lap event.
Still an established member of the relay squad today, Meadows started out as an international 400m athlete with a best of 52.50 from the 2005 season, which places her as thirteenth on the UK all-time indoor marks.
Further still, she took the national indoor crown in 2003 and scorched to a 51.64 relay leg in 2006 before switching her full focus to the longer event and with greater success despite the high-level of domestic competition:
“The women's 800m is always competitive domestically in the UK,” Meadows explains.
“It can only be healthy for the sport and the athletes alike.”
Having previously worked as Manchester Lesiure’s head athletics coach before turning full-time as an athlete, Meadows is keen to praise the support of her husband in guiding her to her current status:
“Trevor is a fundamental link in my support network - his role is so diverse and he always manages to do it with passion and a smile on his face!” she reveals.
Impetus
At present, they have good reason to smile, too, for Meadows should find herself in a strong position to fight for that illusive gold medal at this summer’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Eager to improve on her silver two years ago, the intention is to use 2011 as a springboard to greater success in 2012 and after failing to reach the Olympic final in Beijing 2008, Meadows has extra impetus to succeed in the London Games seventeen months from now.
“The next few years will be my last in the sport so I hope that I can continue to win as many championship medals that are on offer,” explains Meadows, who will open her outdoor campaign in Shanghai in May.
“(After my career) I would like to go into a sports-related media role, as I studied media and English at college and university.”
An interesting choice, as Meadows should indeed have plenty to talk about on a career which will hopefully finish on a golden note.
With four medals from the past four major championships, 800m supremo Jenny Meadows has set her sights on capturing her first international gold this summer, with a view to further glory in 2012, writes Nicola Bamford.
Just a fortnight ago, the 29-year-old claimed European indoor silver to add to her impressive silverware collection which boasts global indoor silver, continental outdoor bronze and world outdoor bronze from the past two years alone.
In Paris earlier this month, Meadows ended her mixed indoor season with her latest medal after finishing a disappointing fifth in the UK 400m championship, bouncing back to a 1:59.22 season’s best in Birmingham and ahead of anchoring Team GB to the 4x400m silver medals in France just over an hour after the 800m final.
Although her achievements have been most promising since her breakthrough into world-class at the 2009 World championship event – registering 1:57.93 to go to third on the British all-time list - the ‘pocket rocket’ middle-distance runner still aches for gold:
“I am definitely one of the most consistent members of the British athletics team but I was hoping for gold and it was not meant to be,” Meadows explains.
The British number-one for the past three seasons, Meadows’ tough self-assessment derives from enjoying a successful yet injury-plagued 2010, where she recorded a national indoor record of 1:58.43 and claimed World indoor silver in Doha, Qatar.
“2010 started so well with two national indoor records and the silver but then I picked up an Achilles injury that was to last the entire outdoor season,” the eight-time national winner reveals.
“At one point, I thought that I would not be able to compete at the European Championships in Barcelona but thankfully my physio's got me to the line and I was delighted at the time to win a bronze medal.”
Indeed, Meadows was forced to miss the final of the continental trials and UK Championships but bounced back after Spain to finish fourth for Team Europe in the IAAF VTB Continental Cup in Split, Croatia to end a frustrating year.
Fundamental
Coached by her husband Trevor Painter and based in Wigan and Manchester for training, Meadows has, despite the collection of near-misses to the top spot, come a long way since her days in the one-lap event.
Still an established member of the relay squad today, Meadows started out as an international 400m athlete with a best of 52.50 from the 2005 season, which places her as thirteenth on the UK all-time indoor marks.
Further still, she took the national indoor crown in 2003 and scorched to a 51.64 relay leg in 2006 before switching her full focus to the longer event and with greater success despite the high-level of domestic competition:
“The women's 800m is always competitive domestically in the UK,” Meadows explains.
“It can only be healthy for the sport and the athletes alike.”
Having previously worked as Manchester Lesiure’s head athletics coach before turning full-time as an athlete, Meadows is keen to praise the support of her husband in guiding her to her current status:
“Trevor is a fundamental link in my support network - his role is so diverse and he always manages to do it with passion and a smile on his face!” she reveals.
Impetus
At present, they have good reason to smile, too, for Meadows should find herself in a strong position to fight for that illusive gold medal at this summer’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.
Eager to improve on her silver two years ago, the intention is to use 2011 as a springboard to greater success in 2012 and after failing to reach the Olympic final in Beijing 2008, Meadows has extra impetus to succeed in the London Games seventeen months from now.
“The next few years will be my last in the sport so I hope that I can continue to win as many championship medals that are on offer,” explains Meadows, who will open her outdoor campaign in Shanghai in May.
“(After my career) I would like to go into a sports-related media role, as I studied media and English at college and university.”
An interesting choice, as Meadows should indeed have plenty to talk about on a career which will hopefully finish on a golden note.
Finding His Niche
WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (ON FEB 1ST)
Coming off the back of his debut season as a 400m hurdler, David Hughes finds himself in the surprising role of potential 2012 Olympic contender and rather than feeling the pressure, he is taking the excitement all in his stride, writes Nicola Bamford.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2010 campaign after switching from his first love, the 110m hurdles and achieved his three targets for the season – a sub-50-second performance, reaching the Commonwealth Games final and being re-instated on the world-class funding programme with UK Athletics.
Indeed, not content enough with reaching these ambitious goals, Hughes surpassed the illusive mark on three occasions and improved his personal-best time by almost three seconds in the space of ten weeks during the summer - catapulting him to third in the UK rankings in his first full season in the event.
Such a staggering improvement and promising debut season were all the more impressive considering he had spent the past three years on the injury sidelines before switching events, but Hughes was always confident he would make an impact once his health was intact:
“Fortunately, my body’s in one piece, which is the main goal in order to run quick,” he explained.
“Training’s going very well. I’ve spent the winter trying to hurdle with my left leg as using only my right was causing some trouble last year and we had no time to work on it. I lost races because of it but it’s now going well now and will make a big difference this summer.”
Blur
If his predictions for a big improvement prove correct then Hughes’ rivals will certainly have to start watching their backs this summer, especially considering the impact he made last year off only six months training.
The risky choice to move to the longer barriers fortunately paid off for Hughes, as the less-explosive event has kept his injury woes at bay and in only his second race, he took the British Inter-Counties title in Bedford last May.
Refreshed for a new challenge and in good health, the former European under23 110m hurdles champion progressed to take the English title the following month before placing fifth in the UK championships and registered a swift 49.58 life-time best in Switzerland in July to place twenty-first on the British all-time list.
“Last year was a blur, as I didn’t really know the event so I now want to really stamp my authority on it and be right on the heels of the two Welsh boys,” Hughes revealed.
The Welsh duo in question are Dai Greene and Rhys Williams – the top two from July’s European championships and gold and bronze-medallists from the Commonwealth event in Delhi last October – the same race where Hughes finished eighth.
“I have my wedding (in Florence in September) to pay for so I jokingly asked Rhys if he could let me win a couple of big races to help me pay for it,” Hughes explained.
“I’ve actually done most of the organising myself.”
Balanced
Most elite athletes would not have the time to arrange such an important occasion, let alone a celebration abroad but Hughes is happy to combine training with part-time work and such distractions in order to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Running his sports performance store, body2win in the East Midlands town of Loughborough, Hughes works three days per week, despite being funded by UK Sport in addition to training at the National Performance Centre nearby.
Coached by his brother Steve, Hughes revealed:
“I’m under pressure to become a full-time athlete but I enjoy having off-track interests.
The business did exceptionally well last year in our first year and we hope to maintain this with the same level of effort this year, before pushing on again after 2012. I’d never want to be a full-time athlete.”
Whist the majority of Team GB are training in sunnier climes, Hughes continued:
“I’ve never been one for going warm-weather training. I don’t travel well or deal with the heat and Loughborough’s got the best sports science support and facilities in the world so why would I leave?
I like to say a big thanks to UK Sport for the funding – we have the best support system in the world. I did really well without any support last year so I’m just accepting it rather than letting it dictate my performances.”
Confident
After finishing his season in October in India, Hughes has decided to bypass the current indoor season and expects to begin his outdoor campaign in early May, with high expectations from the outset:
“I can’t wait to get out and race,” he explained.
“My aims are to get under 49-seconds as soon as possible and to make the World championships (in Daegu, South Korea in August). I want to cause some damage and push for the semi’s and the final.
As I’ve come from a sprint background with no 400m training, I surprised a lot of my rivals last year and I hope to really worry them again this summer.”
With his event having great strength in depth, Hughes will find himself among a large crop of talented British athletes vying for national vests and no more so than in London 2012 – the biggest goal of his athletic career.
“I would be proud to make 2012 and I would be working full-time unless I thought I couldn’t make a living as a professional athlete and make the Olympic final,” Hughes revealed.
“I enjoy the excitement and tension surrounding it – there’s no pressure on me as I have my own goals and I’m quite a confident person despite being modest. I just like to keep my head down and keep myself to myself – I learnt that lesson when I was in the 110m hurdles, thinking I was a big shot.
The main thing is to remain level-headed and not get overwhelmed. It helps being surrounded by a strong support network and having a stable home-life – we’ve just bought a house to get away from the pressure near the track. Being in comfortable surroundings is key for me.”
Although it is still early days, judging by his potential, more fireworks should be expected from Hughes this summer now that his apprenticeship has been served en route to a timely Olympic debut over the event which it has taken him eight long years to find.
Coming off the back of his debut season as a 400m hurdler, David Hughes finds himself in the surprising role of potential 2012 Olympic contender and rather than feeling the pressure, he is taking the excitement all in his stride, writes Nicola Bamford.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2010 campaign after switching from his first love, the 110m hurdles and achieved his three targets for the season – a sub-50-second performance, reaching the Commonwealth Games final and being re-instated on the world-class funding programme with UK Athletics.
Indeed, not content enough with reaching these ambitious goals, Hughes surpassed the illusive mark on three occasions and improved his personal-best time by almost three seconds in the space of ten weeks during the summer - catapulting him to third in the UK rankings in his first full season in the event.
Such a staggering improvement and promising debut season were all the more impressive considering he had spent the past three years on the injury sidelines before switching events, but Hughes was always confident he would make an impact once his health was intact:
“Fortunately, my body’s in one piece, which is the main goal in order to run quick,” he explained.
“Training’s going very well. I’ve spent the winter trying to hurdle with my left leg as using only my right was causing some trouble last year and we had no time to work on it. I lost races because of it but it’s now going well now and will make a big difference this summer.”
Blur
If his predictions for a big improvement prove correct then Hughes’ rivals will certainly have to start watching their backs this summer, especially considering the impact he made last year off only six months training.
The risky choice to move to the longer barriers fortunately paid off for Hughes, as the less-explosive event has kept his injury woes at bay and in only his second race, he took the British Inter-Counties title in Bedford last May.
Refreshed for a new challenge and in good health, the former European under23 110m hurdles champion progressed to take the English title the following month before placing fifth in the UK championships and registered a swift 49.58 life-time best in Switzerland in July to place twenty-first on the British all-time list.
“Last year was a blur, as I didn’t really know the event so I now want to really stamp my authority on it and be right on the heels of the two Welsh boys,” Hughes revealed.
The Welsh duo in question are Dai Greene and Rhys Williams – the top two from July’s European championships and gold and bronze-medallists from the Commonwealth event in Delhi last October – the same race where Hughes finished eighth.
“I have my wedding (in Florence in September) to pay for so I jokingly asked Rhys if he could let me win a couple of big races to help me pay for it,” Hughes explained.
“I’ve actually done most of the organising myself.”
Balanced
Most elite athletes would not have the time to arrange such an important occasion, let alone a celebration abroad but Hughes is happy to combine training with part-time work and such distractions in order to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Running his sports performance store, body2win in the East Midlands town of Loughborough, Hughes works three days per week, despite being funded by UK Sport in addition to training at the National Performance Centre nearby.
Coached by his brother Steve, Hughes revealed:
“I’m under pressure to become a full-time athlete but I enjoy having off-track interests.
The business did exceptionally well last year in our first year and we hope to maintain this with the same level of effort this year, before pushing on again after 2012. I’d never want to be a full-time athlete.”
Whist the majority of Team GB are training in sunnier climes, Hughes continued:
“I’ve never been one for going warm-weather training. I don’t travel well or deal with the heat and Loughborough’s got the best sports science support and facilities in the world so why would I leave?
I like to say a big thanks to UK Sport for the funding – we have the best support system in the world. I did really well without any support last year so I’m just accepting it rather than letting it dictate my performances.”
Confident
After finishing his season in October in India, Hughes has decided to bypass the current indoor season and expects to begin his outdoor campaign in early May, with high expectations from the outset:
“I can’t wait to get out and race,” he explained.
“My aims are to get under 49-seconds as soon as possible and to make the World championships (in Daegu, South Korea in August). I want to cause some damage and push for the semi’s and the final.
As I’ve come from a sprint background with no 400m training, I surprised a lot of my rivals last year and I hope to really worry them again this summer.”
With his event having great strength in depth, Hughes will find himself among a large crop of talented British athletes vying for national vests and no more so than in London 2012 – the biggest goal of his athletic career.
“I would be proud to make 2012 and I would be working full-time unless I thought I couldn’t make a living as a professional athlete and make the Olympic final,” Hughes revealed.
“I enjoy the excitement and tension surrounding it – there’s no pressure on me as I have my own goals and I’m quite a confident person despite being modest. I just like to keep my head down and keep myself to myself – I learnt that lesson when I was in the 110m hurdles, thinking I was a big shot.
The main thing is to remain level-headed and not get overwhelmed. It helps being surrounded by a strong support network and having a stable home-life – we’ve just bought a house to get away from the pressure near the track. Being in comfortable surroundings is key for me.”
Although it is still early days, judging by his potential, more fireworks should be expected from Hughes this summer now that his apprenticeship has been served en route to a timely Olympic debut over the event which it has taken him eight long years to find.
Greene to Go
WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (ON MARCH 17TH)
Having firmly established himself in the past year as a hot contender for 400m hurdles glory in 2012, Dai Greene is in confident mood as he looks ahead to the summer where he hopes to gain the official world number-one tag, writes Nicola Bamford.
Taking European and Commonwealth gold in 2010, the 24-year-old made a major impact on the global scene and now the Welsh wonder intends to use this year’s campaign as a launch-pad to realising his Olympic dream in London next year.
After closing in on Kriss Akabussi’s 18-year-old 47.82 British record with a scintillating 47.88 mark whilst claiming the IAAF/VTB World Cup in Split, Greene not only took the scalp of World-leader Bershawn Jackson but he also went to a promising sixth on the global rankings for the season.
Such a performance was all the more impressive considering it was only Greene’s second year as a consistent international performer, but after capturing the continental (48.12) and Commonwealth (48.52) crowns in Barcelona and Delhi, respectively, he was inevitably on a roll – and fortunately, still is:
“I started back in training in November and it’s been going very well,” Greene explained.
“I went out to South Africa with the UKA camp and it’s still going well. My fitness feels ahead of this time last year so I’m very happy and I’m enjoying training.
We’ve been making some changes to raise my heart-rate more by using fartleks, which are increasing my early-year fitness and speed – I’m now more competent over the barriers.”
Perfection
Training in Bath under the tutelage of coaching legend Malcolm Arnold, Greene is indeed a different athlete to the man who failed to make the 2008 Team GB Olympic squad and it will be unnerving for his rivals to hear that there are still tweaks to be made to his armour even following an imposing 2010.
A ten-time national medallist over the years, Greene is a perfectionist who will be more than keen to improve on seventh from his last World championship appearance when he lines up in Daegu, South Korea later this August.
Although he lost his fierce rival, European silver-medallist Rhys Williams to the group in the autumn, Greene is fortunate to have a plethora of talented stable-mates to work out with, including Jack Green (5th in the 2010 World junior 400m hurdles final), Tasha Danvers (2008 Olympic 400m hurdles bronze), Eilidh Child (2010 Commonwealth 400m hurdles silver), Jack Meredith (2010 World junior 110m hurdles bronze), Andrew Pozzi (2010 England indoor under20 60m hurdles gold) and Lawrence Clarke (2010 Commonwealth 110m hurdles bronze).
“It was disappointing to see Rhys go, as he was great to train with and worked hard,” Greene revealed.
“I’m never the best in the group in training apart from running to hurdle ten - I enjoyed being pushed by him and wish him all the best.
It’s a good atmosphere and a really good training environment – Malcolm’s very happy with the quality of the group.”
Having been part of the set-up since 2009, the former European under23 champion is full of praise for the man who has steered him to unprecedented success in such a short space of time:
“We’ve learnt a lot about each other – he keeps me honest and is a very good person to have around,” he explained.
“We trust each other and decisions are 50/50, though I normally get my own way
especially after our success in the last eighteen months.”
Confident of Gold
A player for Swansea City FC in his youth, Greene is knuckling down to hard graft in the UK before heading for Italy in May for a spell of warm-weather training.
Ahead of opening his eagerly-anticipated outdoor campaign, the modest athlete believes such a trip is key to building his confidence and performance level before his first appearance of the summer at the Loughborough international in late May:
“The aim is to be running a lot faster, a lot earlier this year and hold my form to the World’s,” Greene revealed.
“I’ll do a 4x400m relay leg in Loughborough and do the European Team championships (in Stockholm in June) and the UK championships/World trials (in Birmingham in July).
“I want to do as many IAAF Diamond Leagues as possible in 2011, as I need to be involved to lower my times against world-class opposition. The time I ran in Split will be needed to win the World’s.
Taking gold gets me through training every day – I know I have the potential. If I don’t win but give my best performance, then fine, I can’t be disappointed but I really want to win, not just get a medal.”
With a packed competitive season ahead, Greene is keen to recognise the support he receives from UK Sport and Athletics:
“If I have a problem, I can always see the doctor or physiotherapist etc straight away so funding’s a big help,” he explained.
It’s nice to know the support’s there when it’s needed. I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
And where he is now is right in the driving seat of a journey headed straight for London 2012, a venue - judging by his current form and rate of progression - which could reward him with a very welcome golden prize.
“It’s great we’re having the Olympics,” Greene revealed.
“It’s good to inspire the children and it’s the greatest thing as an athlete to run at home.
I’m a very laid-back character and after having lived to expectations (to win gold) twice last year, I’m more confident – two traits which go well together and which will help me deal with the situation.
I’m aiming for gold, there’s no reason why I can’t – I’ll be at my prime age so everything bodes well.”
Having firmly established himself in the past year as a hot contender for 400m hurdles glory in 2012, Dai Greene is in confident mood as he looks ahead to the summer where he hopes to gain the official world number-one tag, writes Nicola Bamford.
Taking European and Commonwealth gold in 2010, the 24-year-old made a major impact on the global scene and now the Welsh wonder intends to use this year’s campaign as a launch-pad to realising his Olympic dream in London next year.
After closing in on Kriss Akabussi’s 18-year-old 47.82 British record with a scintillating 47.88 mark whilst claiming the IAAF/VTB World Cup in Split, Greene not only took the scalp of World-leader Bershawn Jackson but he also went to a promising sixth on the global rankings for the season.
Such a performance was all the more impressive considering it was only Greene’s second year as a consistent international performer, but after capturing the continental (48.12) and Commonwealth (48.52) crowns in Barcelona and Delhi, respectively, he was inevitably on a roll – and fortunately, still is:
“I started back in training in November and it’s been going very well,” Greene explained.
“I went out to South Africa with the UKA camp and it’s still going well. My fitness feels ahead of this time last year so I’m very happy and I’m enjoying training.
We’ve been making some changes to raise my heart-rate more by using fartleks, which are increasing my early-year fitness and speed – I’m now more competent over the barriers.”
Perfection
Training in Bath under the tutelage of coaching legend Malcolm Arnold, Greene is indeed a different athlete to the man who failed to make the 2008 Team GB Olympic squad and it will be unnerving for his rivals to hear that there are still tweaks to be made to his armour even following an imposing 2010.
A ten-time national medallist over the years, Greene is a perfectionist who will be more than keen to improve on seventh from his last World championship appearance when he lines up in Daegu, South Korea later this August.
Although he lost his fierce rival, European silver-medallist Rhys Williams to the group in the autumn, Greene is fortunate to have a plethora of talented stable-mates to work out with, including Jack Green (5th in the 2010 World junior 400m hurdles final), Tasha Danvers (2008 Olympic 400m hurdles bronze), Eilidh Child (2010 Commonwealth 400m hurdles silver), Jack Meredith (2010 World junior 110m hurdles bronze), Andrew Pozzi (2010 England indoor under20 60m hurdles gold) and Lawrence Clarke (2010 Commonwealth 110m hurdles bronze).
“It was disappointing to see Rhys go, as he was great to train with and worked hard,” Greene revealed.
“I’m never the best in the group in training apart from running to hurdle ten - I enjoyed being pushed by him and wish him all the best.
It’s a good atmosphere and a really good training environment – Malcolm’s very happy with the quality of the group.”
Having been part of the set-up since 2009, the former European under23 champion is full of praise for the man who has steered him to unprecedented success in such a short space of time:
“We’ve learnt a lot about each other – he keeps me honest and is a very good person to have around,” he explained.
“We trust each other and decisions are 50/50, though I normally get my own way
especially after our success in the last eighteen months.”
Confident of Gold
A player for Swansea City FC in his youth, Greene is knuckling down to hard graft in the UK before heading for Italy in May for a spell of warm-weather training.
Ahead of opening his eagerly-anticipated outdoor campaign, the modest athlete believes such a trip is key to building his confidence and performance level before his first appearance of the summer at the Loughborough international in late May:
“The aim is to be running a lot faster, a lot earlier this year and hold my form to the World’s,” Greene revealed.
“I’ll do a 4x400m relay leg in Loughborough and do the European Team championships (in Stockholm in June) and the UK championships/World trials (in Birmingham in July).
“I want to do as many IAAF Diamond Leagues as possible in 2011, as I need to be involved to lower my times against world-class opposition. The time I ran in Split will be needed to win the World’s.
Taking gold gets me through training every day – I know I have the potential. If I don’t win but give my best performance, then fine, I can’t be disappointed but I really want to win, not just get a medal.”
With a packed competitive season ahead, Greene is keen to recognise the support he receives from UK Sport and Athletics:
“If I have a problem, I can always see the doctor or physiotherapist etc straight away so funding’s a big help,” he explained.
It’s nice to know the support’s there when it’s needed. I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
And where he is now is right in the driving seat of a journey headed straight for London 2012, a venue - judging by his current form and rate of progression - which could reward him with a very welcome golden prize.
“It’s great we’re having the Olympics,” Greene revealed.
“It’s good to inspire the children and it’s the greatest thing as an athlete to run at home.
I’m a very laid-back character and after having lived to expectations (to win gold) twice last year, I’m more confident – two traits which go well together and which will help me deal with the situation.
I’m aiming for gold, there’s no reason why I can’t – I’ll be at my prime age so everything bodes well.”
No Mo Mr Nice Guy
WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (FEB 9TH)
He is known world-wide for his smiling, mischievous demeanour but after a record-breaking year, Mo Farah is set to ensure 2011 is all about serious business, as he keeps his eyes firmly set on reaching the Olympic podium next summer, writes Nicola Bamford.
The 27-year-old from Somalian descent moved to England back in 1993 and broke through on to the senior international stage in 2006 with European 5,000m silver.
Fast-forward five years and ‘FlyMo’ - as he is affectionately known in athletic circles - is one of Team GB’s key faces for glory in the 2012 Olympic Games in his hometown, courtesy of the finest season of his career so far.
Although mystery surrounds the identity of his coach at present, it is no secret that the West-Londoner enjoyed an extraordinary track campaign to add to his impressive athletic CV.
Taking European championship 5,000m and 10,000m gold in Barcelona last July, he then broke the long-standing British 5,000m record with 12:57.94 at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Zurich to cement his credentials in a breathtaking display of guts and determination.
It was these victories and the sub-thirteen-minute performance which established Farah as a medal contender for future major championships and such form stands him in promising stead for his biggest aim next summer.
Confident
Advised by Ricky Simms, Farah is currently training hard in the United States after placing a close runner-up in a world-class field in the New Balance Boston indoor grand prix.
Registering a time of 7:35.81 to finish only a second away from his personal best,
Farah’s performance followed an impressive victory at the Bupa Great Edinburgh cross-country international last month.
A six-time UK champion over cross-country, 1500m and 3,000m and indoors and out, Farah is content with his current form:
“I'm feeling in good shape at the moment following a few good results after a long training stint in Kenya during November and December,” he explained.
“Last year was a very good year for me so I'm keen to build on that and produce even better results this year.”
With his confidence and fitness sky high, Farah is evidently rounding into an athlete who truly believes that he can achieve anything he sets his sights on.
Next up on the agenda will be the IAAF Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham on February 19
th, where Farah will be going for the UK 5,000m indoor record of 13:21.27.
The Adidas man is confident that he can surpass the mark and holds positive memories of the venue after breaking the British 3,000m record with 7:34.47 last year.
The key aim of the winter though, is the defence of his 3,000m title at the European indoor championships in Paris in early March and with six continental indoor and outdoor medals to his name, Farah is a hot bet for glory.
Sacrifices
Also the national record-holder for 5km on the road (with 13:30 from 2006), Farah is proud to lead a resurgence of British men’s distance running over the past year.
Alongside European 10,000m silver-medallist Chris Thompson, the duo has ignited an upsurge in form and belief in recent months but Farah should not be too concerned for his number-one status just yet:
“There are lots of strong distance runners in Britain at the moment and with more youngsters coming through, it would be great if we could repeat some of the performances from the days when Cram, Coe and Ovett were competing,” he revealed.
With the aim of improving on his previous two results of sixth and seventh, respectively, from the World outdoor championships, Farah could break into the medals in Daegu, South Korea this July judging by his current form.
In his quest to be the best runner in the world, Farah praises the support of his young family amidst the constant travelling away:
“My family are very important to me and I would love to spend all of my time with them although as a long-distance athlete I have to spend a lot of time away from home,” he explained.
“It makes the time we spend together and the successes more worth the sacrifice.”
Fortunately, the sacrifices have paid off ten-fold in recent months and as Farah builds towards Olympic glory – after finishing only sixth in his 5,000m heat in the 2008 Beijing Games – he finds himself in a privileged position as one to beat.
“I'd like to retire one day knowing I've had a successful career and spend the rest of my time with my family, enjoying a relaxed life,” Farah revealed.
So don’t let the smile fool you – this outgoing athlete hides an intense desire to succeed and while he’s on such an eye-catching a roll, you probably shouldn’t bet against him especially on home turf next summer.
He is known world-wide for his smiling, mischievous demeanour but after a record-breaking year, Mo Farah is set to ensure 2011 is all about serious business, as he keeps his eyes firmly set on reaching the Olympic podium next summer, writes Nicola Bamford.
The 27-year-old from Somalian descent moved to England back in 1993 and broke through on to the senior international stage in 2006 with European 5,000m silver.
Fast-forward five years and ‘FlyMo’ - as he is affectionately known in athletic circles - is one of Team GB’s key faces for glory in the 2012 Olympic Games in his hometown, courtesy of the finest season of his career so far.
Although mystery surrounds the identity of his coach at present, it is no secret that the West-Londoner enjoyed an extraordinary track campaign to add to his impressive athletic CV.
Taking European championship 5,000m and 10,000m gold in Barcelona last July, he then broke the long-standing British 5,000m record with 12:57.94 at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Zurich to cement his credentials in a breathtaking display of guts and determination.
It was these victories and the sub-thirteen-minute performance which established Farah as a medal contender for future major championships and such form stands him in promising stead for his biggest aim next summer.
Confident
Advised by Ricky Simms, Farah is currently training hard in the United States after placing a close runner-up in a world-class field in the New Balance Boston indoor grand prix.
Registering a time of 7:35.81 to finish only a second away from his personal best,
Farah’s performance followed an impressive victory at the Bupa Great Edinburgh cross-country international last month.
A six-time UK champion over cross-country, 1500m and 3,000m and indoors and out, Farah is content with his current form:
“I'm feeling in good shape at the moment following a few good results after a long training stint in Kenya during November and December,” he explained.
“Last year was a very good year for me so I'm keen to build on that and produce even better results this year.”
With his confidence and fitness sky high, Farah is evidently rounding into an athlete who truly believes that he can achieve anything he sets his sights on.
Next up on the agenda will be the IAAF Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham on February 19
th, where Farah will be going for the UK 5,000m indoor record of 13:21.27.
The Adidas man is confident that he can surpass the mark and holds positive memories of the venue after breaking the British 3,000m record with 7:34.47 last year.
The key aim of the winter though, is the defence of his 3,000m title at the European indoor championships in Paris in early March and with six continental indoor and outdoor medals to his name, Farah is a hot bet for glory.
Sacrifices
Also the national record-holder for 5km on the road (with 13:30 from 2006), Farah is proud to lead a resurgence of British men’s distance running over the past year.
Alongside European 10,000m silver-medallist Chris Thompson, the duo has ignited an upsurge in form and belief in recent months but Farah should not be too concerned for his number-one status just yet:
“There are lots of strong distance runners in Britain at the moment and with more youngsters coming through, it would be great if we could repeat some of the performances from the days when Cram, Coe and Ovett were competing,” he revealed.
With the aim of improving on his previous two results of sixth and seventh, respectively, from the World outdoor championships, Farah could break into the medals in Daegu, South Korea this July judging by his current form.
In his quest to be the best runner in the world, Farah praises the support of his young family amidst the constant travelling away:
“My family are very important to me and I would love to spend all of my time with them although as a long-distance athlete I have to spend a lot of time away from home,” he explained.
“It makes the time we spend together and the successes more worth the sacrifice.”
Fortunately, the sacrifices have paid off ten-fold in recent months and as Farah builds towards Olympic glory – after finishing only sixth in his 5,000m heat in the 2008 Beijing Games – he finds himself in a privileged position as one to beat.
“I'd like to retire one day knowing I've had a successful career and spend the rest of my time with my family, enjoying a relaxed life,” Farah revealed.
So don’t let the smile fool you – this outgoing athlete hides an intense desire to succeed and while he’s on such an eye-catching a roll, you probably shouldn’t bet against him especially on home turf next summer.
Woman on a Mission
WRITTEN FOR TEAM 2012 VISA (ON FEB 25TH)
After agonisingly missing out on the world 1500m title two years ago, Lisa Dobriskey has made some key changes to ensure that she goes one better in the global championships later this summer, writes Nicola Bamford.
This winter, the 27-year-old has followed doctors’ orders by training through the indoor racing season and in a surprising twist, has also split from her long-term coach to be guided by her husband.
Although an amicable split - with former mentor George Gandy still acting as her adviser, Dobriskey is now guided by the man she married fifteen months ago – 2004 Olympic 800m semi-finalist Ricky Soos.
Based at the Loughborough University High Performance Centre, the duo are sticking to the same formula which took Dobriskey to world silver in 2009 and are content with the new set-up:
“Ricky’s had a big impact on my training for the past couple of years anyway and we’ll be absolutely fine,” she explains.
“We’ll follow a similar plan. I’m really excited as I’m progressing well – I always
used to struggle this time of year but I’m still being quite cautious.”
Fragile
It is highly understandable that Britain’s top metric miler for the past three seasons is wary, for barely a season goes by without an injury rearing its ugly head and at the most inappropriate of times.
The latest in a long line of well-documented issues was a problem with her left hip – striking only five days after a promising 2:00.14 800m lifetime best in London last August, whilst racing in Zurich.
There, in the IAAF Diamond League race, Dobriskey not only lost a shoe but also the chance to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October – the event which she won in 2006 to cement her breakthrough on the senior international stage.
However, following yet another winter of rehabilitation and a training camp in South Africa, the eleven-time national 800m-3,000m champion is back to running pain-free:
“Training’s going really well. Missing the indoors was really hard as I really enjoying it but I’m being sensible,” Dobriskey reveals.
“I’m so fragile in the lower-back area and I pushed too far last year so I had the problems for quite a long time afterwards.
Consistency’s the key for 2012. I’ve built up my winter slowly and I’ve been on the rise again since Christmas. I’ve done a lot of base and technical work to improve my biomechanics to stay away from injury.”
Disaster
Following a slightly below-par 2010 campaign, it is imperative for the nation’s number-two all-time runner to establish herself again on the world scene this summer if she has any chance of glory in the London Olympics come 2012.
With a year’s best of 3:59.79 from Paris last July, Dobriskey was hotly tipped for a continental victory at the European Championships a fortnight later but running a tactically poor race in the final, she finished a disappointing fourth in 4:01.54.
The frustration also followed only a third place-finish in the UK championships a month earlier, leaving the Loughborough University graduate despondent:
“Overall, 2010 was so disappointing,” Dobriskey explains.
“I should have done better in everything but ended up in a massive panic with the injuries so it was a disaster, especially after having high hopes but I’ve learnt about tactics and other things to work on.”
Revenge
As the famous saying goes ‘what doesn’t hurt you, will make you stronger’ and it is this mindset that Dobriskey has taken on ahead of her attempt at returning to world-class status this summer.
With a personal best of 3:59.50 from the 2009 season, she has her sights set on double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes’ seven-year-old British record of 3:57.90 but first, the priority is on gaining revenge at the World Championship event in
Daegu, South Korea:
“Obviously, the World’s is very important to me, especially after missing out on
gold by just 1/100th of a second last time,” reveals Dobriskey.
“I really want to progress after a year of injury. I’ve done 3:59 a few times and I feel I need to do that more and go quicker to bridge the gap, that’s my goal.
I need to go one better and win the title by raising my game to reach my potential.
I’ve been too cautious and a little negative in the past so I’ve changed that this year.”
Returning for another training stint in South Africa in May, Dobriskey intends to open her season with a couple of low-key 1500m races before tackling the Rome leg of the IAAF Diamond League in May.
“Even the (World) trials are very competitive,” she explains on the topic of July’s UK Championships.
“It’s so good to be part of such a strong contingent of athletes in this country. It’s tough but it prepares you for the world stage.”
Not only eager to upgrade her global silver from Berlin two years ago, Dobriskey is additionally even more determined to improve on her fourth place from the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she takes to London’s new Olympic stadium next August:
“It’s really exciting and after finishing fourth last time, I really want to at
least get a medal – you have to use the home advantage,” she reveals.
“The Olympics is so special being on home soil but it’s scary too, dealing with the pressure – people like to hang the medal around your neck before you’re even there but I can cope with that through past experience.”
And should she manage to string together a few months of trouble-free training, then this bubbly athlete may well get the redemption she has been waiting years for.
After agonisingly missing out on the world 1500m title two years ago, Lisa Dobriskey has made some key changes to ensure that she goes one better in the global championships later this summer, writes Nicola Bamford.
This winter, the 27-year-old has followed doctors’ orders by training through the indoor racing season and in a surprising twist, has also split from her long-term coach to be guided by her husband.
Although an amicable split - with former mentor George Gandy still acting as her adviser, Dobriskey is now guided by the man she married fifteen months ago – 2004 Olympic 800m semi-finalist Ricky Soos.
Based at the Loughborough University High Performance Centre, the duo are sticking to the same formula which took Dobriskey to world silver in 2009 and are content with the new set-up:
“Ricky’s had a big impact on my training for the past couple of years anyway and we’ll be absolutely fine,” she explains.
“We’ll follow a similar plan. I’m really excited as I’m progressing well – I always
used to struggle this time of year but I’m still being quite cautious.”
Fragile
It is highly understandable that Britain’s top metric miler for the past three seasons is wary, for barely a season goes by without an injury rearing its ugly head and at the most inappropriate of times.
The latest in a long line of well-documented issues was a problem with her left hip – striking only five days after a promising 2:00.14 800m lifetime best in London last August, whilst racing in Zurich.
There, in the IAAF Diamond League race, Dobriskey not only lost a shoe but also the chance to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October – the event which she won in 2006 to cement her breakthrough on the senior international stage.
However, following yet another winter of rehabilitation and a training camp in South Africa, the eleven-time national 800m-3,000m champion is back to running pain-free:
“Training’s going really well. Missing the indoors was really hard as I really enjoying it but I’m being sensible,” Dobriskey reveals.
“I’m so fragile in the lower-back area and I pushed too far last year so I had the problems for quite a long time afterwards.
Consistency’s the key for 2012. I’ve built up my winter slowly and I’ve been on the rise again since Christmas. I’ve done a lot of base and technical work to improve my biomechanics to stay away from injury.”
Disaster
Following a slightly below-par 2010 campaign, it is imperative for the nation’s number-two all-time runner to establish herself again on the world scene this summer if she has any chance of glory in the London Olympics come 2012.
With a year’s best of 3:59.79 from Paris last July, Dobriskey was hotly tipped for a continental victory at the European Championships a fortnight later but running a tactically poor race in the final, she finished a disappointing fourth in 4:01.54.
The frustration also followed only a third place-finish in the UK championships a month earlier, leaving the Loughborough University graduate despondent:
“Overall, 2010 was so disappointing,” Dobriskey explains.
“I should have done better in everything but ended up in a massive panic with the injuries so it was a disaster, especially after having high hopes but I’ve learnt about tactics and other things to work on.”
Revenge
As the famous saying goes ‘what doesn’t hurt you, will make you stronger’ and it is this mindset that Dobriskey has taken on ahead of her attempt at returning to world-class status this summer.
With a personal best of 3:59.50 from the 2009 season, she has her sights set on double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes’ seven-year-old British record of 3:57.90 but first, the priority is on gaining revenge at the World Championship event in
Daegu, South Korea:
“Obviously, the World’s is very important to me, especially after missing out on
gold by just 1/100th of a second last time,” reveals Dobriskey.
“I really want to progress after a year of injury. I’ve done 3:59 a few times and I feel I need to do that more and go quicker to bridge the gap, that’s my goal.
I need to go one better and win the title by raising my game to reach my potential.
I’ve been too cautious and a little negative in the past so I’ve changed that this year.”
Returning for another training stint in South Africa in May, Dobriskey intends to open her season with a couple of low-key 1500m races before tackling the Rome leg of the IAAF Diamond League in May.
“Even the (World) trials are very competitive,” she explains on the topic of July’s UK Championships.
“It’s so good to be part of such a strong contingent of athletes in this country. It’s tough but it prepares you for the world stage.”
Not only eager to upgrade her global silver from Berlin two years ago, Dobriskey is additionally even more determined to improve on her fourth place from the 2008 Beijing Olympics when she takes to London’s new Olympic stadium next August:
“It’s really exciting and after finishing fourth last time, I really want to at
least get a medal – you have to use the home advantage,” she reveals.
“The Olympics is so special being on home soil but it’s scary too, dealing with the pressure – people like to hang the medal around your neck before you’re even there but I can cope with that through past experience.”
And should she manage to string together a few months of trouble-free training, then this bubbly athlete may well get the redemption she has been waiting years for.
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