TRACKSPEED1 SNOWBOUND!

For the first time in his 35-year coaching career, Trackspeed1 coach John Powell has been forced to cancel squad training for two successive sessions due to the freak weather conditions enveloping the south east.

Almost 18 inches of snow around his home would not ever be a problem, but no trains runing on Southeastern, buses on severely restricted services, roads being lethal for driving, and the threat of worse to come, all make it nonsensical to attempt to reach Crystal palace.

"Crystal Palace is closed tonight anyway," said John, "and getting there right now is a virtual impossibility.  This is really bad news for us with an indoor season just around the corner.  I can only hope that the athletes can do something at home or near home to keep things ticking over for now.

"We intend to have a session at Crystal Palace at 12 noon on Sunday unless things worsen, but we can only pray they don't - even then we will be restricted to an indoor track 80 metres long - the outdoor track is never cleared of snow and will probably be out of commission for another week at least."

Meanwhile, Trackspeed1 athletes are asked by their coach to keep an eye on their mobiles for updates by text.  If they haven't been receiving these then they should let John know their correct mobile number.  A final decision on Sunday will be circulated on Saturday.

The Crystal Palace outdoor track is never cleared of snow and is likely
 to remain unusable to Trackspeed1 and the many other athletes whose
training base it is for many days to come.  Coach John Powell described
the situation as "shambolic" and "endemic of the attitude to athletics in
this country...  We produce international standard athletes every year
despite training in a sub-standard facility, but this really doesn't make
life any easier."

TRACKSPEED1 ATHLETES RANKED AMONG THE ALL-TIME BEST

Trackspeed1 sprinter Chris Lambert, who dominated many of the athletics headlines earlier in the last decade, gains ninth spot n the all-time best UK 200m performances this week.

Lambert, an Olympian whose career arguably peaked in 2003 when he won gold in the Wolrd Student Championships, and double gold in the Europen under-23 Championships, still holds the event record for the latter event with his blistering 20.34s 200m effort in Poland that year.

"I remember the race as if it were yesterday," said coach John Powell.  "Chris came off the bend in fifth, but simply switched on the after-burners in the straight.  The Polish crowd were on their feet screaming, with local boy Jedrusinski in the lead.

"Chris out-dipped him on the line though, and the whole stadium fell silent as I screamed 'yes' - instantly regretting a sudden and unwanted focus of attention in my direction!"

Elsewhere in the hall of fame published in Athletics Weekly this week is under-17 sprinter david Bolarinwa, who streaks away at the top of the UK national rankings for both 100m and 200m.  He sits at the head of the 100m lists with his world under-18 leading time of 10.39s - some four tenths of a second off the next best electronic and wind-legal performance.

In the 200m his best of 21.17s this year leads from second-ranked 21.77 - a huge margin, which establishes him as the sprints prospect coming through the ranks for future years.

Placed 11th in the U17 400m lists is 15-year-old Omari Carr-Miller, whose 49.60s lap took him to sixth in the national schools final, despite being amongst opponents over a year his elder.  This was an especially impressive performance as he spent most of the winter laid up with a stress fracture in one shin.  His rehabilitation was decribed by John Powell as one of the most frustrating possible for a keen teenager.  "His resolve throughout was commendable", he said.

Elsewhere in the under-17 list can be found newcomers to Trackspeed1 this winter, including Edmond Amaning who sits in fifth spot over 200m with 21.94s (21.84 windy), and Tunde Judun who sits in 11th place in the 100m lists with a best of 10.92s (10.81 windy).

"There's a great job been done with these athletes to date," said John Powell, "and I only hope we can continue that with progress to new highs next year."

Lambert has since been dogged by injury after injury and has retired from the sport.  Even his appearance in the Athens Olympics ended in tears when he pulled up with hamstring trouble.  But with the other Trackspeed1 athletes, the future looks as bright as ever.  Combine them with the likes of senior training partners Dwayne Grant and James Ellington to name but two, and one might reasonably expect a few more headlines in 2011 !

"TRACKSPEED1 COULD BE BEST EVER"!

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell has had a fortnight to see his enlarged and diverse squad of athletes for 2011 back in training, and he is already wondering whether 2011 could just be the strongest year ever!

"I have taken on a few more athletes than I had intended, but the group is gelling really well.  The seniors mentor the younger athletes, and the general environment is really upbeat and positive.  People are willing to really work hard, which at this stage of the game is vital if you are to have half a chance in the New Year."

The squad include a number of new international standard athletes as well as developing youngsters, not forgetting the existing elite achievers like James Ellington, the 2010 UK number 3 over 100m, and the World's fastest under-18, David Bolarinwa, who only turned 17 last week.

"Of the new guys there are still one or two whose life in the group could be quite short if they don't wake up to the reality of hard work," John continued, "but we have some real workers too.

"Ellis Zorro works hard, and twins Kieron and Anton Daly are grafters, as is Joshua Atille, and Edmond Amaning is really impressive.  We are also delighted to see that Lawrence Wooldridge was able to adjust his working routine to join us after all - a 21.5 200m athlete is always going to be a positive addition to the existing clan of Hussain, Grant, Ellington, Bolarinwa and others, even if there are a few tenths to make up on paper!

Lucozade testing session sets the standard
Trackspeed1's new-found partnership with Lucozade saw Sports Scientist Joel Enoch carry out a number of base level tests at Crystal Palace today (Sunday 24th October), which will be repeated throughout the winter months into next season.

The tests were for reaction time out of blocks and speed / acceleration over 30m.  Then there were jump tests to assess power.  The results will be used to compare progress through the squad training programme this winter, and will highlight areas that might need additional attention.

"We are delighted to be working with Lucozade," said John Powell, "it is a unique opportunity for everyone, and has already produced some fascinating data.

James Ellington was unsurprisingly the strongest statistically, with Danny Doyley just behind, but the newest recruit to the squad, currently on a month's trial, was the youngster who caught Joel's eye.  Omardo Anson (17) was referred from John Powell's Met-Track scheme and, although very raw in terms of experience, produced one of the most impressive sets of statistics overall.

"He's a very very raw talent," said John, "and he did a totally unconventional start for the runs.  That alone will improve him further.  It will certainly be interesting to see how he goes."

TRACKSPEED1 READY FOR LIFT OFF !

The preliminaries are over, the new guys have been briefed and, despite a slight alteration to the start date, this weekend sees the new Trackspeed1 squad for this winter swing back into action.

The group will reconvene at Crystal Palace on Sunday (October 10th) when every athlete will be put through a rigorous fitness test to assess just how well their preparation training has gone.

"There's no messing around this year," said coach John Powell, " I am absolutely not interested in anyone who is not willing to put the work in.  If I can get up at 5am to go to work in order to ensure I can make training, the least my athletes can do is apply themselves to the job in hand."

Talking of the new faces who have joined the group, John was extremely upbeat about their prospects, but lamented what he referred to as the "usual gossip" about how they came to join the squad:

"I haven't taken on anyone who I do not believe 100 per cent can improve with our training regime - what would be the point?  There's been the usual banter though about athletes moving around between coaches this summer, but I sleep easy at night - every one of the new athletes to Trackspeed1 approached us first, and not the other way round.

"It's never pleasant losing an athlete to another coach (heaven knows, I do know!) but you have to move on - no coach owns an athlete and if the athlete wants to move on there is absolutely nothing you can do about it."

Mark Brown rejoins Trackspeed1 for the coming winter.

John was especially delighted that former Trackspeed1 400m sprinter Mark Brown has returned to the squad after a 2-year absence.  His personal best of 46.3 back in 2008 he hasn't come close to since, and is now hoping that he can rekindle the form that brought him to within one trial race of a place in the Beijing Olympic Games.

POWELL'S ULTIMATUM TO CLASS OF 2011 !

Although still on vacation in the U.S., Trackspeed1 coach John Powell today fired a warning shot across the bows of all his squad of 2010-11, saying that they need to be fit to stay with the group past day one!

Squad training restarts on Thursday October 7th, although it is highly likely that Powell will call together the considerable number of new faces a couple of days before that.

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell takes time out on holiday to relax as
well as have a bit of fun before the serious business of winter training,
which begins early next month.

"We have become quite popular of late," said John who is currently in Las Vegas, " and I have had to turn a number of athletes down who have approached us.  Numbers are in fact a little higher than I would have liked, but that is fine as long as every last one of them realise what is expected.

"We begin with a fitness test and anyone failing to impress will get their marching orders.  If they can't be bothered to get fit to train, then I can't be bothered to invest the time and effort needed to see them through our winter programme.

"All the new faces will be required to meet at Crystal Palace on Tuesday 5th for a meeting where I will spell out very clearly where the goalposts are in terms of continued association with the squad.  After that, it is up to them.

"We have massive potential for 2011 now both among the younger ranks and the seniors, and I would even ay we have at least 2-3 candidates for potential contention for 2012.  But potential means nothing until it is realised."

John has stamped a new motto on every page of the squad's new winter training schedule which reads: "Train hard, win easy".  It was the trademark of World under-18 100m number one David Bolarinwa this year, but both agreed it could be adopted as a simple but most effective motto for all.


Are YOU new to Trackspeed1 this winter?  Make sure John has your mobile number and email address or you won't get squad / training updates over the coming weeks!

Trackspeed1 September News

Trackspeed1 athletes have now all completed another great summer season and are taking a well-earned rest before winter training begins.

The winter schedules commence on Thursday October 7th, when the new-look squad will gather at Crystal Palace and face immediate scrutiny buy their coach with a fitness test.

"I'm not interested in athletes who sit on their backsides completely during the rest period," said John powell, "and everyone is expected to be 'fit to train' on 7th, and a little test will show exactly who is and who isn't.

It's a great squad for 2010-11 and if everyone works together, we could see some really dramatic headlines on this site next year!"

SQUAD 2011 TAKING SHAPE

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell has revealed that the training squad that will carry the group's label into 2011 is finally taking shape after an unprecedented number of requests from new joiners.

Several athletes, many as a result of visiting this site, have expressed interest in training at Crystal Palace this winter, but only a very elite few have been given the nod.

"It's great that people want to join us," said John, "but quite apart from keeping numbers down to a practical level, Trackspeed1's reputation revolves around international athletes or young athletes who have developed to a high standard, many internationally, from novice.

"I always want to keep my feet on the ground with young blood, but I have to respect my senior athletes whose lives revolve around their success or otherwise, and their training environment is of paramount importance.

"This said, we have some outstanding talent joining the squad this winter, and probably now have one of the strongest squads we have had for a while.  The new year could be very exciting indeed."

Joining the likes of Youth Olympic Games double medalist David Bolarinwa, former Olympian Dwayne Grant, and British number four over 100m, James Ellington, will be another English Schools 200m Champion, Edmond Amaning.  Bolarinwa, Grant, and Ellington all won schools titles on their way through the sport.

In addition, Lawrence Wooldridge, a 21.5 / 48.2 200/400m sprinter joins the Palace squad and will be excellent company for the Trackspeed1 seniors.  And then there is the potential dark horse of junior sprinting fo[r 2011, 17-year-old Reyss Albert.  Reyss is in town from native Grenada, but is a British citizen, and has two years as an under-20 to go, with a pb of 10.66s over the 100m sprint.

"Reyss is far from in shape at present," said John, "but if he works hard he could really turn heads next year."

John has also admitted two or three younger athletes to wrap around his younger squad members this year which, he says, "adds a really good balance" to training for this winter.  "I hate saying no to athletes," he went on, "but you've got to be practical.  I just hope the guys we have taken on prove they were worth it!"

SATURDAY SHOWDOWN FOR BOLARINWA

Trackspeed1's David Bolarinwa faces a Saturday evening showdown with his Jamaican rival in the first ever Youth Olympic Games 100 metres final, 2110hrs local time (1410 UK).

See his blog for a full report on today's heats, and how Britain's world leader in the event at the moment qualified for the final as the fastest in all five heats...

DAVID READY TO ROCK!

Trackspeed1 sprinter is ready for the off in Singapore as he completed his final preparatory training session today at the Anglo-English Independent School facility.

See his regular daily update at the link top left of this site's home page.  He starts the 100m in the first ever Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday as the fastest under-18 in the world...

BOLARINWA TO MAKE HISTORY IN LEADING TEAMGB IN FRONT OF MILLIONS!

Trackspeed1 sprinter David Bolarinwa is to make history in Singapore as he leads TeamGB out in front of a multi-million worldwide TV audience, at the opening ceremony of the first ever Youth Olympic Games.


See our dedicated blog top left of the home page on this site for pictures and daily updates from the Far East...

DAVID ARRIVES IN SINGAPORE AS WORLD NUMBER ONE!

David Bolarinwa landed in the Far East yesterday as the world number one over 100 metres after his sensational sprint double at lee Valley last week.

See his Singapore blog on this website for his progress.  His 10.39s sprint in the north London open meeting took him to the summit of the 2010 world lists as he prepared to travel east to Singapore for the first ever World Youth Olympic Games.

Watch this blog for updates as to how David progresses after landing in the Orient!!

BOLARINWA CHASES HIS (YOUTH) OLYMPIC DREAM

Sixteen-year-old Trackspeed1 sprinter, David Bolarinwa, unbeaten over 100m this year, and Europe's number one under-18, faces the race of his life later this month in the World Youth Olympic Games.  But he will have to complete last minute preparations without the coach that has taken him to the brink of Youth Olympic glory.

David wins the European 100m Olympic Trials in Moscow

Coach John Powell, who has remortgaged to travel out to Singapore so he can support his protégée - a real TeamGB medal hope - says that he could be twiddling his fingers in a hotel room rather than helping the Thamesmead-based Cambridge Harrier prepare for the event of a lifetime.

"UK Athletics warned me there may be a problem," he said, "and it appears that the organising committee in Singapore have said that there will be no accreditations for personal coaches.  At one stage I wasn't even going to get in to see David compete, because all the tickets were sold out, but then thankfully the British Olympic Association stepped in and said they could sell coaches tickets for sessions relevant to their athletes. The journey has cost me a fortune, but I want to see a fantastic season through to its climax."

"We won't know for sure whether I can access the training track before the Games begin.  The very idea of possibly not being able to coach David for the final ten days before the event is quite bizarre.  David will have a detailed training programme, and I'm sure the team staff will do all they can to ensure he completes it if I can't.  

"Having seen him through his first serious winter of training, followed him to the European title in Moscow, and overseen an outstanding unbeaten season in the UK to date, I would of course rather like to finish the job!  I can't criticise the British authorities though - UKA and the British Olympic Association seem to have done everything they can, and the flow of information on the event throughout the season has been really helpful in guiding David's preparations."

David is all smiles as he meets leading USA sprints coach Brooks Johnson during pre-season training in Florida

Bolarinwa starts as a strong favourite to medal in the blue ribband event of any Olympics.  This is the first ever 'Youth Olympics' and will take on the format of a full Olympic Games incorporating all sports, but aimed at participants from all over the globe aged under 18.

The South East Londoner is ranked second in the world at present, a fraction behind a Jamaican rival whose best currently stands at 10.46s.  But TeamGB's brightest young sprints prospect in years remains a firm hope for a medal on the day - which colour remains to be seen!  

Bolarinwa has won the English under-20 title as well as the English Schools under-17 championship, not to mention the international schools crown.  His fastest 100m time came in the English under-20 final when he clocked a wind legal 10.47s, after timing a slightly wind-assisted 10.43s in an earlier round.

"I'm going out to Singapore to win," he said, "but as long as I bring home a medal, I guess I'll be fairly happy.  The whole trip's going to be amazing, but I'm going to have to really get it together to achieve my goals there.  I want two golds ideally - with Europe winning the relay too!"

An additional pressure on David will be documentary cameras from CBBC's Blue Peter programme, who are filming him and three other TeamGB athletes from airport to track and home again for footage that will go out early in the New Year.

"This will be a great adventure for David," said Powell, "but he must remain incredibly focussed throughout the trip if he is to get even close to the winners' rostrum."


Check out this website for up-to-date news on how David's preparations go and then how he deals with the world's most talented teenage sprinters in Singapore!

Apprentice David learns from senior international training 

partner James Ellington as they review training video footage

HUSSAIN SPEED RETURNS

A chequered season for Trackspeed1 sprinter Jason Hussain picked up again on Saturday when he clocked a lifetime's fastest 100m of 10.85s.

Competing for Belgrave Harriers in the British League Premiership clash in Windsor, he took advantage of a 1.9m/s following wind, although having been promoted to the A-race after the late withdrawal of Wade Bennett-Jackson (ill) he wasn't able to make an impression in a race that saw the local ground record and League record broken.

Jason Hussain recovered his basic speed to record

 a lifetime's best 100m at Windsor

"Jason has been exploring the idea of moving up to 400m this year, but he has returned to speed work this last week or so, and it's clearly paid off," said coach John Powell.

The latest addition to Trackspeed1, Loughborough University student Matt Threadgold, clocked the second fastest 400m of his life in the same fixture, timing 49.18s with a gutsy B-race effort, although both athlete and coach were insistent there is far more to come.

"I know I am worth at least 48.mid's right now, and reckon well under 48 is easily on the cards next year," he said after the race.

Meanwhile, further north, David Bolarinwa was busy maintaining his sensational unbeaten record this year over 100m in Leeds, competing for Cambridge Harriers in their British League division 3 fixture.  David clocked 10.70 to win, following up with a winning 21.57s 200m.

The meeting marked the beginning of the most important period of the talented young sprinter's life.  On Wednesday he runs at Lee Valley in an open 100m trial, and then travels to Singapore on Monday 9th for the World Youth Olympic Games.

"It's really exciting times for David," said Powell, "but it's all about keeping your feet on the ground right now, because no medal is guaranteed - it has to be earned."

OMARI SUB-50 AS BOLARINWA STRIKES GOLD (AGAIN!)

Fifteen-year-old Omari Carr-Miller, whose winter training was wrecked by a potentially career-threatening stress fracture in his shin, shattered his lifetime best 400m performance in Birmingham on Saturday (10/7).

Competing in the semi-finals of the intermediate boys English Schools Championship, the Croydon Harrier  dismissed the disappointment of being drawn out in lane eight with a superb 49.60s run, his first ever under 50 seconds.

Meanwhile fellow Trackspeed1 squad member, David Bolarinwa, was up to his usual tricks, strolling to victory in the inter' boy's 100m.  His 10.77s run in the final was a far cry from the 10.47 he had chalked up in winning the under-20 national title a couple of weeks earlier, but it was enough to see off the rest of the field in Birmingham by a clear margin.

Coach of both athletes, John Powell, who travelled to Birmingham to watch his two youngest charges battle it out with the best England could muster, was hugely complimentary to both athletes:

"Omari had never run in lane eight in his life, and called me after he saw the draw to ask how on earth he should run the race," he said.  "We talked it through, and he ran it by the book, with a fine finish that saw him scrape into the final by three hundredths of a second.

"Omari has endured a nightmare this last nine months.  He had a classic injury caused by overuse, in other words doing far more physical activity than his body could take.  He is so talented that there are huge demands on him, and with a slender frame it all proved too much.  Not being able to run at all during the winter was sending him round the bend at training.

"I was delighted for him running under 50 seconds at last - he will be so much better next year though.  He was immensely disappointed with seventh in the final (50.33s) where he landed lane eight again, but this summer was always going to be difficult, and simply being there was a huge achievement."

Bolarinwa heads now to Scotland this Saturday (17th) for the schools home international, although his training now will be solely focussed on the World Youth Olympics, in Singapore, next month.

"David will compete in the English National Championships for his age-group on 7-8th August in Stoke before flying out to Singapore on 9th," said Powell. "There is alot to be done between now and then."

Another gold for David Bolarinwa

SCHOOLS RECORD ON FOR BOLARINWA AS ELLINGTON RETURNS

Trackspeed1 sprinter David Bolarinwa attempts to crack the English Schools intermediate boys 100m championship record, set by Mark Lewis-Francis, right in the former World Junior Champion's back yard, tomorrow.

The 16-year-old, who travels to Singapore next month to context the World Youth Olympic title, cruised through the heats today (Friday 9th) in Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.  The semi-final and final are tomorrow, and Bolarinwa's target is 10.54s

David in training in the U.S. earlier this year

Coach John Powell will be hoping for a the omens this week to work positively, with senior springer James Ellington setting foot back on a track this week for the first time since his tragic hamstring tear in Geneva a month ago to the day.

"James is looking great in terms of getting back to stake a claim for Commonwalth Games selection," said Powell, "and the English Schools is a great stage for David to prepare for Singapore."

One other Trackspeed1 athlete competing in Birmingham is 15-year-old Omari Carr-Miller.  Having suffered a winter ravaged by injury his summer was always going to be difficult, but he has got back at least to last year's best form with a 50.31s third place in the inter' boys 400m heats today, which was good enough to see him through to tomorrow's semi-final.

DAVID NOW WORLD NUMBER TWO!

Trackspeed1 wonderkid David Bolarinwa, 16, added a new dimension to sprinting at the weekend as he hit number two in the world under-18 rankings for 100 metres.

In a scintillating weekend's work at the England under-20 championships in Bedford, he not only grabbed the national title from under the noses of athletes far senior to him, but clocked an incredible 10.47 seconds, which leaves him as third fastest ever Brit, and second on this year's global lists for under-18's.

The latter is most relevant as his agenda takes him to Singapore in August for the World Youth Olympics, an under-18 competition.

"I think I might have cheesed a few people off," said David after the 100m on Saturday (19th), "because I'm friends with alot of the guys in the event, but nobody contacted me at all for ages afterwards.  I think they were a bit shocked that an under-17 beat them, but we're all fine now."

Bolarinwa had caught the eye of the crowd right from the off, as he stormed to victory in the heats in a wind-aided 10.62 - the fastest he had ever run over the distance thus far.  Then in the semi-final he clocked 10.43, but again the wind speed was over the legal limit.

When the clock stopped in the final everyone held their breath as the wind speed was communicated to the announcer's box.

"I must admit I was a bit awe-struck when we found out the wind speed was legal," said coach John Powell, "because this puts a copletely new dimension on David's career from here on.  He will be seen as the new kid on the block, and the fun will soon become pressure as expectations rise, but he has a stable head on his shoulders and I am confident he will handle it."

Bolarinwa had not finished though as, barely 24 hours later, he was in action again in the 200 metres, making it six races in a 24-hour period, a challenge for the most senior of athletes.

The heats saw him speed round in a fastest ever 21.36, but again the wind speed was just over the permitted limit, but in the semi-final it dropped, and his 21.17 saw him fire into fifth place on the all-time lists for his age in the UK.

The final saw his first technical slip of the weekend as he didn't quite hit the bend hard enough, and he entered the straight with it all to do.  His eventual third place in 21.21s, another wind-legal mark, earned him bronze in an age-group three years his senior, and wide acclaim as the athlete of the championships.

"David had an outstanding weekend and I'm immensely proud of him," said John Powell,"because not only did he run fast, he exeited his events really well in the main, and he is learning all the time.  He's a great talent, but there is still much work to do, both before Singapore, and in the longer term before we start thinking about senior athletics."

Bolarinwa next races in the British Athletics League for his club, Cambridge Harriers, on Saturday July 3rd, after which he will be defending his English Schools 100 metres title, in Birmingham, on July 9/10th.

Trackspeed1 had one other athlete in action at Bedford on Sunday in Femi Owolade, and he too travelled back down the M1 with a smile from ear to ear.

The 22 year-old Blackheath and Bromley athlete sped through the heats of the under-23 200 metres in a lifetime's fastest 21.44 seconds in first, and progressed through the semi-finals with 21.53, although only as a fastest loser to the final.

In the final, he was drawn outside in lane eight making a solo run a real challenge, but he came off the bend well in touch with the leaders, and held on for a bronze medal he dare not have even dreamed about beforehand.

"I can't believe it," he said afterwards, "getting a PB was one thing, but winning a medal is beyond my wildest dreams, I am really happy."

Finally, the news was at last getting better for UK number three over 100 metres, James Ellington, whose tragic hamstring tear in Geneva earlier this month saw his European Championship dreams evaporate.

The 24-year-old Belgrave Harrier began rehabilitation work in the hydrotherapy pool on Sunday, and now must battle to prove his fitness before final selection for the Commonwealth Games.  That is likely to be mid-August at the latest.

Femi Owolade is all smiles with his 200m Bronze at Bedford.

NEWS GETTING BETTER FOR TS1

As the week opened it was beginning to look b leak, but Trackspeed1's season looks to be back on the rails after a series of really good news stories suggested 2010 could yet be the best ever.

First, James Ellington's injury was reviewed by doctors and judged to be a grade two tear which would keep the British number three off the track for a few weeks, but nowhere near the weeks or months initially feared.

Then the squad's youngest athlete, 15-year-old Omari Carr-Miller, whose nightmare winter saw him nursing a recurring stress fracture in his left shin, completed his comeback with a superb 50.3 second effort over 400 metres in the Surrey Schools final to ensure selection for the prestigious English Schools Championships in July.

Omari was the country's number two last year as an under-15, but hit the rocks in October as injury frustrated his plans for a sturdy winter with his new squad.

"Omari has been incredibly determined," said coach John Powell, "and many 15-year-olds would not have stayed the distance, but Omari stuck at it and now he is almost back to his best."

In addition, Dele Onifade put a winter full of injury behind him with some solid sprints in the South of England Championships last weekend, and pronounced himself fit for the under-23 nationals this weekend in Bedford.  And training colleague Danny Doyley at last opens his 2010 account in an open meeting in Tooting Bec.

"It's been a difficult time for two or three otherwise very talented sprinters in the group, but now we are optimistic that everyone can enjoy a really fruitful and productive second half of the summer," said John Powell.

Competing in this weekend's national under-20 and under-23 championships, in Bedford, are Femi Owolade, Dele Onifade, Samuel Adeyemi, and David Bolarinwa.

ELLINGTON BID FOR GLORY ENDS IN TRAGEDY

Trackspeed1 sprinter James Ellington's season catastrophically collapsed in Geneva on Saturday as, despite clocking another lifetime best 100m time, he crashed to the deck with a hamstring tear that now stands to wreck his season.

The 24-year-old Belgrave Harrier beat a classy field including fellow Brit' Rikki Fifton to clock 10.23s with a small headwind, but as he crossed the line a searing pain in his right leg sent him crashing down, and now he will miss the European Championships in July, and needs a miracle to get him fit for October's Commonwealth Games.

"It's simply not fair," said coach John Powell, "that someone like James who has worked so hard over the years, has to take a knock-back like this.  He has had no lottery funding support, and so I have no idea how we are going to afford treatment.  He needs virtually daily therapy this next week or two, and that doesn't come cheap.  He's a huge 2012 prospect and it's just this sort of scenario that can snuff out whole careers just like that.

"Ironically, our only real hopes are for UK Athletics to provide some sort of support, and we don't know if that can be forthcoming yet, or there is a consultant in Germany who has an outstanding track record with athletes in this position, but he costs £3000 and that sort of money simply isn't floating around.

"James is now the country's number three sprinter, and will very soon be number one - 2012 is a very big part of his longer term agenda, but this has been a very big blow indeed.  We can only hope that some help is forthcoming from somewhere.  James is a fighter, and he'll get back one way or the other, but the next few weeks and maybe months will be very challenging."

The one positive that Powell was able to cling to over the weekend was the return to competition after a two-week exam layoff of 16-year-old David Bolarinwa.  He competed in the under-20 100m South of England Championship, at Crystal Palace, and taught his elders a stern lesson in sprinting!

In the heat David cruised to 10.95 despite a headwind, but in the semi-final, powered to a hugely impressive 10.69, the second fastest of his career, despite a headwind of over 2m/s.  In the final he struck gold with 10.76 into an even stronger -3.2m/s headwind, lining him up for this weekend's national championships at under-20 level as a real contender.

BRITAIN CALLS FOR ELLINGTON

Trackspeed1 sprinter James Ellington has had his first full senior international call-up confirmed this week, as he was named in the sprint relay squad traveling to Norway for the 2010 Europa Cup next weekend (19-20th June).

The 24-year-old Belgrave Harrier has become one of the fastest sprinters in the country this year having at last broken through at senior level, after a glittering career through the age-groups which saw him final at European and World Junior and under-23 Championships.

James will join the rest of the British team at Brunel University for a final round of baton practice on Wednesday next week (16th June), before flying to Bergen, Norway on Tursday for the weekend competition.  He isn't assured yet of running, although must rank among the favourites to make the GB quartet alongside the likes of Marlon Devonish, Leon Baptiste, and Tyrone Edgar.

Ellington's selection will be a fillip to many athletes knocking on the door of international level athletics, as with no Lottery funding in support of his career, he has had to make it the hard way to the top.

The Cup clash centres on an immensely busy and very significant period for track and field, with the European Championship Trials only a week later in Birmingham.  Far from being a finals hopeful, James Ellington will open up on Friday 25th in the 100m as a possible podium prospect!

This weekend the South of England Senior and Junior Championships are staged at Crystal Palace, and both Trackspeed1 hopefuls James Ellington and Jason Hussain who compete in Geneva on Saturday, hope to return to run in the 200m on Sunday.

Alongside them will be 16-year-old david Bolarinwa, who has been exam-bound for 2 weeks, but will contest the under-20 100m championship as part of his preparation for the World Youth Olympics in Singapore in August.  Training comrades Samuel Adeyemi, Femi Owolade, Danny Doyley, and Jack Miller all also hope to compete, while 15-year-old Omari Carr-Miller visits the Surrey Schools Championships on Saturday.

A crowded domestic calendar in July features the first England Championships, in Gateshead, which will double as the trials for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, in October.

"It's exciting times," said Trackspeed1 coach John Powell, "and I'm not quite sure where I'm going to  get the time off to go to all the championships this year if everyone carries on running so well!  It's a nice problem to have though, and I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks."

ELLINGTON JOINS THE ELITE

James Ellington with coach John Powell

Trackspeed1 sprinter James Ellington is back alongside the elite of British Athletics after a scintillating 100m run in Germany yesterday (Saturday 5th).

The 24-year-old Belgrave Harrier clocked 10.28s with virtually no following wind to record the second fastest 100m of his illustrious career on the track to date.  It was a performance that easily outstripped his best of 10.27s which was aided by a slight wind behind him in Belgium last year, and finally confirmed he is the in-form sprinter this year.

Most importantly James beat all his British counterparts, including Tyrone Edgar and others, which puts him in a very strong position when it comes to selection decisions later in the year.

"James has at last worked his way through to the top," said a delighted coach John Powell, "and we know already he will be in the squad competing in the Europa Cup in Norway in 2 weeks time.

"It's terrific job satisfaction having seen him come through from age 13 to now, within the TS1 set-up bar two seasons.  At the trials in 3 weeks' time he's a podium hope now rather than hoping he might scrape into the final."

Ellington travels again this next weekend when coach John Powell joins him, along with fellow Trackspeed1 training partners Dwayne Grant and Jason Hussain in a competition in Geneva, Switzerland, where all three athletes will be hoping for favourable conditions to facilitate a good performance ahead of the European Championship Trials in Birmingham 2 weeks later.

Ellington faces a busy weekend as, if everything goes to plan, he will also contest the 200m South of England Championship, at Crystal Palace, on Sunday.

"We've not had great conditions to run in this summer," said John Powell, "and all the times so far have been wind-assisted apart from James in Germany yesterday.  We need some legal marks to take th pressure off a little so we can then just get on with the running."

ELLINGTON POISED FOR GLORY

Trackspeed1's James Ellington stood poised to at last make his mark among the elite of British sprinting after a scintillating 200 metre victory at Bedford today (31st May).  He was competing in the annual inter-counties championship meeting.

The 24-year-old Belgrave Harrier timed the fastest half-lap sprint of his illustrious career of 20.86 seconds, but it was frustratingly assisted by a 3.1m/s following wind and so won't impact on existing rankings.  It nevertheless placed the former World Junior finalist among the top performers over both sprints in the UK this year.

"James is on fire this summer," said a delighted coach John Powell who has worked with Catford-born Ellington since the age of 13 bar two seasons.  "He has wintered really well, and touch wood, all the niggles of last year seem to have cleared up.  Although the winds have been just over the permitted limit for his early outings, it's obvious he's in great shape and only a matter of time before he puts down a serious - and legal - performance."

The weekend hadn't begun quite so positively for Ellington, as he false started in the 100m heats, and was given a straight red card under the new zero tolerance rules, a repeat of the scenario in last year's Crystal palace grand prix.

"We've looked at the film John took of the start, and the guy on my right twitched which is what set me off," said James.

Ellington now looks toward next weekend when he travels to Germany with the British team for an international meeting, contesting the 100 metres and 4 x 100m relay.

Also in action over the weekend for Trackspeed1 was 27-year-old Blackheath Harrier Dwayne Grant, who was competing in a European invitation meeting in Greece.

Grant clocked a season's best 100m of 10.42s, finishing third in the A-race, and went on to time another season's fastest 21.13s over 200m, also finishing third, and with legal wind speeds in both events.

"It's really coming together well this season," said John Powell, and there are other athletes in pretty good shape who haven't really got going yet, so 2010 is looking very positive right now."

James Ellington (left) and Dwayne Grant in training before 

a productive weekend's sprinting at home and abroad.

BRITAIN CALL FOR ELLINGTON AS UK WEATHER STALLS PROGRESS

This article is updated at the foot of the text


Trackspeed1 stalwart James Ellington began life with coach John Powell aged 13, and went on to become one of the most successful championship medalists through the agegroups of all time in the UK.  In 2010 he could just be on the brink of the ultimate breakthrough as a senior.

It's been a while coming, but after a period in the wilderness, James has at last received a call-up to Great Britain seniors, competing in Germany next weekend.  After his performance at Loughborough last week (see previous blogs) he is well and truly back on the international sprinting map!

The only thing between him and personal bests over both 100m and 200m at the inter-counties meeting at Bedford tomorrow (30th) and Monday, will be the good old UK weather.  Training comrade David Bolarinwa suffered at the hands of a 4.8m/s headwind in winning the South of England title at Ashford today (29th), but was blown backwards to a 11.22s run - one of his slowest for two years.

"We don't want wind or rain at Bedford," said coach John Powell, "but whatever we get we simply have to deal with.  James is on awesome form right now, and it's only a matter of time before he puts down a serious lifetime best mark."

The second Trackspeed1 athlete in action at the Ashford meeting was 15-year-old Omari Carr-Miller, the youngest of Powell's protégées.  After a winter ravaged by injury, the under-15 national 400m champion successfully progressed to the final after a solid 51.94 run to second place in his under-17 men's heat.

Update from Bedford...
High winds - exactly what coach John Powell was hoping would not be the case - blighted the sprinters at Bedford on the first day of the inter-counties meeting, although this proved to be the least of James Ellington's troubles.

Lining up as the fastest athlete by far in his heat of the 100 metres, Ellington false started and was immediately red carded by officials under the new zero tolerance false-start ruling.  He must now wait until tomorrow (31st) when he will contest the 200 metres.

"It was frustrating, but absolutely the right decision within the rules," said John Powell.  "James is in great shape, and having a wind like that behind him would have blown him to an exceptional time, but it wasn't to be.  I don't think he'll be doing that again in a hurry though, so hopefully it was a learning experience for him!"

Winds at Bedford were measured between plus four and plus six metres per second - a huge aid to sprinters.  The secobd day will see both James Ellington and Jason Hussain of the Trackspeed1 squad contest separate 200m competitions.

Meanwhile, in Greece, Dwayne Grant improved vastly from his season's opener in the USA at the beginning of the month with encouraging performances over both sprint distances.  He clocked 10.42 (wind +1.2) over 100m, and 21.13 (wind +1.4) over 200m, finishing third in both races.

DESTINATION: THE WORLD!

Trackspeed1 sprinters enjoyed an amazing opening day of their summer season today (Sunday 23rd) with success at home and abroad.

In Moscow, 16-year-old David Bolarinwa came within an inch of a second gold medal in three days, eventually finishing second in the 200m at the European Youth Olympics, clocking a lifetime's fastest 21.49s.

Meanwhile, back home, James Ellington opened his account at the Loughborough International meeting with his fastest ever 100m of 10.22s, albeit slightly wind aided (+2.5m/s).  Later he was awarded second leg for England seniors who proceeded to beat the Great Britain 4 x 100m relay team.

Also in action at Loughborough was Trackspeed1's Jason Hussain, who signaled a return to form with 21.58s from lane one (wind +2.3m/s).

Coach John Powell was smiling all the way back to his hotel on the Moscow Metro:

"Make no mistake, there is alot more to come yet," he said, "and this is only the start.  We knew we had athletes in form, and we haven't even seen the likes of Dwayne Grant and others in action yet.

"David did outstandingly well in Moscow, and just couldn't quite catch the Pole outside him, but gold on Friday in the 100m added to this silver makes him arguably the highest achiever as an individual in a major championship this squad has seen!

"And James has far more in the tank - don't forget he finished second ahead of Marlon Devonish, Christian Malcolm, Nick Smith and others - real scalps!

"And people may not think that the 2008 nightmare that saw Jason Hussain undergo punishing chemotherapy is of any relevance now, but I can say from personal experience that it is!  It rips the body apart, and the fact that he has fought back to this kind of form in little more than 18 months is a massive compliment to an exceptionally determined athlete."

John Powell will have to budget carefully this year, as his squad could potentially be competing all over the world!  Barcelona sees the European Championships, and Singapore the World Youth Olympics, where David Bolarinwa is now officially selected in the 100 metres.

"I am immensely grateful to United Kingdom Athletics (Jo Jennings in particular) for helping me attend Moscow," he said, "but I now have to work out how I can afford to get myself potentially to the Far East as well as any other majors, not to mention domestic competitions all over the UK.  And if anyone gets selected for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi....!"

BOLARINWA TARGETS A EUROPEAN DOUBLE

Trackspeed1's David Bolarinwa is targeting a European double this weekend after successfully qualifying for the 200m final at the European Youth Olympics in Moscow.

After winning the 100m on Friday (21st) in a lifetime's fastest 10.68s, the latest young talent to emerge from Trackspeed1 is on the verge of a sensational double gold.

In the heats on Saturday evening, he clocked a winning 21.60s after a nightmare start.  Just as they came under starter's orders, an official realised the lanes had been re-drawn and insisted David and the Polish sprinter swapped places.  Not being allowed to properly re-set his blocks, the first 50m saw David trailing around the bend.

With three athletes clear he had it all to do, but a phenomenally strong pick-up toward the finish saw him emerge a clear winner.  The only other athlete faster than him was the Italian winner of heat one, clocking 21.57.

"It would certainly seem that tomorrow is a two-horse race," commented coach John Powell afterwards, "but the minute you exclude anyone as a threat is the day they decide to have a big break-through.  So we'll be aware of everyone, but as long as David runs the race to his plan, it is going to take a real talent to get to the line before him."

David's final goes at 4.30pm BST and is the last event of the tournament.  Afterwards he and his coach have to agree before leaving Moscow on which event he will opt for in the World Youth Olympics, in singapore, in August.

David (lane 4: 4th from left) digs deep after a nightmare start

 to win his 200m heat in Moscow

British team physiotherapist Shane Kelly helps 

David's 200m preparations in Moscow

BOLARINWA STRIKES GOLD IN MOSCOW

Trackspeed1 teenage sprint sensation, David Bolarinwa, struck gold for Britain in Moscow today (21st May), as he powered to the European Youth Olympic 100 metres title in a lifetime's best time.

David, whose heat time of 10.72s was the fastest qualifying mark, clocked 10.68s in near perfect conditions, beating the fastest athletes in Europe by some margin - second was a German competitor in 10.85s.

Celebrating the squad's first European Gold since Chris Lambert won the Under-23 200m title in 2003, coach John Powell was grinning from ear to ear:

"He didn't have the greatest of starts, and we have to work on that, but his transition and pick-up was absolutely awesome," he said.  "I'm delighted for him because he has worked hard for this, and it's a great springboard now for the rest of the season, let alone the years to come."

David will get little rest though - he goes again on Saturday (22nd) in the heats of the 200m, which are due off at 4.20pm BST.  The final is at 4.30pm BST on Sunday.

David celebrates gold on the rostrum with the other medalists

European Youth Olympic 100m Champion 

with a delighted coach, John Powell.

BOLARINWA FACES EURO TEST

See end of this story for updates from Moscow...

Trackspeed1's latest teenage sprint sensation, 16-year-old David Bolarinwa, faces his sternest test yet today (May 21st), as he opens his account in the European Youth Olympics, in Moscow.

The heats of the 100m go at 1210m local time, and the final at 7.40pm.  Moscow lies three hours ahead of the UK, so by late afternoon in London the title will have been decided.  The event doubles as the trials for the first ever World Youth Olympics, to be held in Singapore in August.

It will be a tough test for David, with fellow Brit' Jerome Musa Lawal having already clocked a faster time this year, plus rivals from Russia and Turkey.  The top four go to Singapore , but only one British athlete can be selected.

Speaking from the Olympic complex in Moscow, coach John Powell commented: "This will be a tough test.  David is in great form, but he is almost a year younger than Jerome, and we know there are at least two other lads faster than him on paper."

David runs also, as the only Brit', in the 200m tomorrow (heats) and Sunday (final), and so has two chances of selection for the prestigious world event later in the summer.

MOSCOW UPDATE...


11:10am BST - David Bolarinwa came through the heats of the 100m in the European Youth Olympics unscathed, and qualified for this afternoon's final as the fastest in the field.


He clocked 10.72s, equal to his one other performance this year, set in Florida, USA, two weeks ago.  Fellow Brit' Jerome Musa Lawal, failed to qualify after finishing second in his heat with the winner only sure to go through.


Of the other strongly fancied athletes, the Italian pulled up with a hamstring tear, but both Russians looked very impressive.  The final goes at 16:40 BST, and this website will be updated later this evening.

David Bolarinwa wins his heat with ease in Moscow

OSHO LEAVES TRACKSPEED1

Set Osho, who clocked several lifetime best performances over 400m in 2009, and clinched bronze in the World Championship Trials, has left Trackspeed1 after only 20 months.

Coach John Powell cited unreconcilable differences between coach and athlete, along with a deteriorating relationship with fellow athletes in the group.

"Set called me just before we left the U.S., but I would have called it when we got back anyway.  Set had tremendous potential as an athlete, but for some reason he has drifted this last 8 months, and hence unsurprisingly his performances have fallen.

"In Trackspeed1 we have a vast network of advice and opportunities stretching the globe as well as at home, and all we ask in return is for respect and engagement.  I believe the successes of our group over the years endorse that approach.  It is a shame Set chose to look elsewhere."

ATHLETES HEAD HOME HUNGRY!

Trackspeed1 athletes training in Florida for the past 3-4 weeks arrive home this weekend hungry for competition to commence.  Initially blighted by volcano ash that delayed departure, and then electrical storms canceling their opening races, the news from the south eastern corner of the U.S. is now all good!

"We've had some set-backs," said coach John Powell, "but this has ended up being one of the most positive camps I've been on, and we have had absolutely no injury problems at all.  Times in training have progressed beyond previous years, and all everyone wants to do now is race.

"I'm not expecting PB's straight away, although most people have shown an ability to go very close already, but I would be surprised if we don't have a really good summer if everyone stays clear of injury."

Some members of Trackspeed1 will open their account at the Loughborough International meeting on Sunday 23rd, and others will wait for the annual inter-counties championships, in Bedford, on 30-31st May.

The annual pre-season camp in Florida features just about everything a track and field athlete can wish for in optimising preparation for the summer season.  The weather is clearly a huge plus, with 80-90 degrees guaranteed daily, but the training facilities put the UK to shame and explain very clearly why athletes drift away from home shores in April and May.

Trackspeed1 have partnerships with the now ESPN Wide World of Sports, and access outstanding facilities there both on track and in the gym.  Clermont's National Triathlon Training Centre provide access to six-star physio' treatment at discounted cost if and when needed, and there is an alternative track and gym facility there also.

Couple this with opportunities for developing athletes such as David Bolarinwa to train with some of the world's best seniors under the watchful eye of US sprints supremo Brooks Johnson, and it begins to look like a pretty attractive package!  Just a few photographic memories appear hereunder...

The Florida squad (l-r): Jer O'Donoghue, Dwayne Grant, 

James Ellington, Jason Hussain, front - David Bolarinwa, 

John Powell, Ellie Doel.

David Bolarinwa gets a thorough screening by manager 

Leah Dearman, at Clermont's six-star physiotherapy and 

rehabilitation facility

Training on the final day saw the previous three years' 

records re-written! L-R: Jer O'Donoghue, James 

Ellington, David Bolarinwa

Experience tells!  Seasoned international James Ellington

imparts words of wisdom with video feedback to young

prospect David Bolarinwa

No competition for Trackspeed1.  James Ellington leads 

Dwayne Grant and David Bolarinwa home in the 200m at 

a High School meeting in Orlando. 

Jason Hussain training at ESPN - his nightmare of 3 years

traveling there injured, now well behind him!

TRACKSPEED1 OUT OF THE BLOCKS

Trackspeed1 at last kicked off their 2010 outdoor season today (Saturday 8th) at the Florida Gliders Spring Classic meeting, at Lake Brantley High School, Orlando, USA.

Amid searing heat that reached 102 degrees, and no shelter provided at the venue from the sun all day, it was a tough day out for even the most experienced sprinters.  As it was though, some encouraging performances from most concerned will send them back to the UK next Saturday (15th) knowing that this summer promises potential rich rewards.

Former European relay gold medalist James Ellington, and World Cup gold medalist Dwayne Grant, locked horns in both sprints, with Ellington coming out on top - just - on both occasions.  He clocked 10.59s for the 100m - his fastest ever start to a campaign - while Grant clocked 10.67s.  Young David Bolarinwa completed a one-two-three for Trackspeed1 in third, timing the second fastest time of his life of 10.74s.

In the 200m, Ellington crossed the line in 21.37s, Grant in 21.43, with Bolarinwa trailing in third in 22.02s, heavily affected by the intense afternoon sun.

James Ellington (left) and Dwayne Grant lock horns in the 200m

Ellington pips Grant in the 100m at Lake Brantley

The one other event Trackspeed1 were involved in was the 4x100m relay where expectation was high for a fast time, but the mid-day heat combined with no competition at all, saw a solo quartet complete the lap in a rather tame 41.34s.

GODS NOT LOOKING KINDLY ON TRACKSPEED1

The second "act of God" in less than a month frustrated Trackspeed1's pre-season preparations yesterday (6th May), as electrical storms prevented their opening competition from taking place.

The annual University of Central Florida Twilight track meet, a traditionally high class affair, failed to kick off as the skies clouded over, the rain poured down, and thunder and lightening put the whole UCF campus on 'red alert'.

"We're all frustrated as anything," said coach John Powell, because we simply can't wait to get going this year, but we have the Lake Brantley meet tomorrow (May 8th)."

Trackspeed1 have all their Florida athletes competing at the Florida Gliders Spring Classic meeting at Lake Brantley High School, Orlando.  "It's a bit of a crazy meeting with loads of kids and a rather unpredictable timetable," explained John, "but the senior races are usually pretty classy, and we know some from the UCF event may well be chasing late entries."

In true American style, the timetable begins at 7.30am and works through to 5pm.  Looking to be in action over 100m will be James Ellington, David Bolarinwa, Dwayne Grant and Jer O'Donoghue, with all bar O'Donoghue in the 200m with the addition of Jason Hussain.

The squad will also make a late entry in the 4 x 10m relay to see if their quartet of O'Donoghue, Grant, Bolarinwa and Ellington can crack the 40-second barrier, which would see them into the IAAF world rankings as a training group - possibly the first European squad to do so!

With UCF cancelled, we were able to do a couple of baton changes at the ESPN track today (Friday)," said John, so we'll see what happens.  At the end of the day it's about the individual events mainly, although a good relay would be a great boost early on in the year for everyone."

 

Trackspeed1 relay practice at the ESPN training track today (7th)

Storms sweep across the UCF track yesterday, postponing Trackspeed1's kick-off to the new season by 48 hours.  They compete at Lake Brantley tomorrow (8th)

BOLARINWA RUBS SHOULDERS STATESIDE WITH THE WORLD'S BEST!

Trackspeed1's pre-season training camp in Central Florida is switching into overdrive with some athletes beginning to show some outstanding form, but that is not all.

Sixteen-year-old Woolwich Poly student, David Bolarinwa, from Thamesmead, rubbed shoulders with some of the world's top athletes on Tuesday, as he completed a blocks session under the tutelage of leading USA sprints coach Brooks Johnson, alongside Trackspeed1's own John Powell.

Athletes lining up alongside David included Olympic hurdles medalist David Oliver, and Dwight Thomas, Jamaican Olympic sprint relay gold medalist.  America's Xavier Carter, one of the fastest men in history over 200m, was also on hand for advice.

"This was the experience of a lifetime for David at his stage of development," said John Powell, "we both learned alot.  It's the best opportunity going from my point of view to have another set of eyes look at your athlete, because they are almost certain to pick stuff up you've missed."

David, obviously thrilled at the whole deal, made a few adjustments through the session, and ended barely a yard behind some of his new found training group for the day as they blasted out of the blocks over 20-30 metres.

David (in yellow) powers out of the blocks with some of the world's fastest.

David said afterwards: "That was an amazing experience and I kept having to pinch myself that I was actually running alongside those guys.  You see them on TV, and you read about their results, but this was some of them training just like the rest of us.  It helps you realise nobody is superhuman and anything is achievable if you really want it.  This has really doubled my determination to work hard over the next few years, and then it will be me entertaining the apprentice!"

Meanwhile, Trackspeed1 now face their first serious competition of the season as they contest the University of Central Florida (UCF) Twilight Track and Field Meeting this week, and then the Florida Gliders Spring Classic Meeting at the weekend.  

The UCF meeting could see a bit of athletics history made as the 4 x 100m relay team of Jer O'Donoghue, Dwayne Grant, David Bolarinwa, and James Ellington, aim to crack 40 seconds as a squad team, and become the first training group to break into the IAAF world rankings!

Some more images of David's session appear below, beginning with the end-of-session handshake between Brooks Johnson, who is also Trackspeed1's Training Advisor, John Powell, and David...

TRACKSPEED1 TUNING UP FOR ACTION

Trackspeed1 athletes originally grounded by the volcanic ash crisis, finally made it to their pre-season training camp in Central Florida last week, and are already looking trim ahead of their fist competition next week.

Coach John Powell was one of the first on a plane following days of suspense waiting to see if the squad could actually travel at all, but was in a confident mood despite a week's worth of training being lost.

"The UK weather was actually quite good during the time we were waiting to travel," he said, "and so the sessions we would have done in Florida were still quite good quality.  But there's nothing quite like the Florida climate and the facilities over here to get an athlete on top of their game.

"Speaking from the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, in Orlando, Powell added: "athletes here can focus on optimising their performance 24/7 if they want to, and that is great preparation for summer.  This last UK winter has been a nightmare, and training in some decent facilities in brilliant sunshine is about as good as it gets!"






















James Ellington warms up for the first track session in Florida at the ESPN track facility.


Trackspeed1 kick off their season next Thursday (May 6th) in the University of Central Florida Twilight Meet, in Orlando.  Traditionally a high level meet, the likes of James Ellington and young prospect david Bolarinwa, will be among Powell's protégées looking to impress early on in the summer calendar.

The squad will also be fielding a 4 x 100m relay team to see if they can beat the hugely impressive 40.69 second mark set two years ago at the same meeting - a performance that ranked as one of the fastest by any British domestic team in 2008, let alone a training squad.

The team that year consisted of Wade Bennett-Jackson, Jason Hussain, Phillip Doorgachurn and James Ellington.  This year it will be selected from James Ellington, Dwayne Grant, Jason Hussain, David Bolarinwa, Jer O'Donoghue, and Set Osho, with a very real prospect of a time close to 40 seconds if the change-overs go well.

"In the States, meets always begin with the sprint relays, which is a great way of getting into things without the pressure of an individual event," said John.  "It'll be fun, but of course we're really there to focus on how everyone is shaping up for the season."

Trackspeed1 compete again just 48 hours later at the Florida Gliders Spring Classic Meet, in Altamonte Springs, on Saturday 8th May.

Jason Hussain receives intensive therapy from squad physio's Lucy Eggleton and Stuart Phazey!

LATEST UPDATE RE: WARM WEATHER TRAINING

Trackspeed1 athletes due to fly to Florida for pre-season training last weekend are still rooted in the UK.  The Icelandic volcano continues to frustrate their trip, as well as those of many others.

A multi-agency meeting of key agencies including the British Government is scheduled for 7pm today 20th April, and Virgin Atlantic are updating passengers via their website at 10.30pm.

Coach John Powell and one athlete are rescheduled to travel tomorrow 21st at 1pm.  "The good news is that we haven't been cancelled yet," said John, "but it's getting very tight again, and if we are cancelled again, it gets hugely complicated with other athletes on different flights potentially flying ahead and having to manage cars and accommodation bookings themselves.

"The next availability is Monday at the earliest apparently, so a further cancellation makes this a real nightmare.  Much longer and we would have to evaluate how beneficial a trip would be from a training perspective, although I suspect some athletes will want to travel whenever they can."