James Ellington has waited a long time to break into the big time. He's suffered injury, he's been swamped with frustration, but surely 2011 is his moment!
In the World Championship Trials 200m on Sunday 31st the 25-year-old will seek to achieve what so few before him have done - reach a world championships as an individual in a sprints event despite not being part of the funded UK Athletics set-up.
"James is in the form of his live," said coach John Powell, "and the stage is set. It's up to him now - the 100's today (Saturday 30th) will have drained the tanks of many, so all he has to do is finish first or second and he could well be on the plane to Korea."
James has already run the A qualifying time for the World Championships, and a top 2 finish would surely confirm his place in the team.
Saturday 30 July 2011
MILLER BACK TO HIS BEST
Trackspeed1 sprinter Jack Miller (18) was back to his best at his latest Southern League outing, at Bedford today (Saturday).
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| Jack Miller - in the form of his life at Bedford |
Miller, of Bexley Athletics Club, was frustrated to see no electronic timing laid out at the brand new mondo surfaced track in Bedford, as he has been promising all season to turn on the speed, and would have done but for poor conditions all year.
Bedford saw great conditions though, but he was faced with hand timing, made all the more frustrating given that his 22.3s 200m was potentially his fastest ever by 0.05s. In the 100m he was also on form, clocking 11.0s, which is a season’s best, and which could have been a ten-point second time had the timing equipment been deployed!
Bedford saw great conditions though, but he was faced with hand timing, made all the more frustrating given that his 22.3s 200m was potentially his fastest ever by 0.05s. In the 100m he was also on form, clocking 11.0s, which is a season’s best, and which could have been a ten-point second time had the timing equipment been deployed!
“Jack has had a frustrating time of it this season,” said coach John Powell, “although he has been clocking lifetime best times over 200m. His development has just seen his 100m achievements stall a little, and that is made worse by the fact that he is running far faster in training!”
At the same meeting, Omardo Anson made his comeback in a non-scoring 100m timing a modest 11.7s, but his appearance at all this season after a nasty hamstring tear in June is an achievement in itself . It was a determined return by Anson, which typified a small squad of Trackspeed1 casualties this year. All the squad's athletes who have remained fit have set lifetime best times!
Meanwhile, in Birmingham, David Bolarinwa put the opportunity of experiencing senior opposition to good use, finishing fifth in the semi-final in 10.55s. It was a far cry from the European Junior Championships a week earlier, but with Marlon Devonish, Craig Pickering, Tyrone Edgar and Rikki Fifton to contend with, it was far from a poor showing.
KIERON RUBS SHOULDERS WITH THE BEST
It may not have been the best of performances for 18-year-old Trackspeed1 sprinter Kieron Daly, but it will have been one hell of an experience!
Having set lifetime best performances in both 100m and 200m sprints this year, he was rewarded with the chance of rubbing shoulders with the very best British Athletics has to offer, with a lane in the World Championship Trials 100m last night (Friday 29th), in Birmingham.
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| Blackheath & Bromley Harriers' Kieron Daly gets ready for his debut in the big-time at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium |
Lining up alongside sprints legend Marlon Devonish it was never about qualification for the semi-final, but soaking up the atmosphere and making the most of the biggest moment in his track career to date.
“Kieron didn’t perform up to recent standards on the night,” said coach John Powell, “but quite honestly that didn’t matter. He’s had a great season and being here is just reward for some hard graft that has produced significant improvement this summer.”
It wasn’t a night to remember for Trackspeed1, as Alex Ojo crashed out in his heat, while David Bolarinwa struggled to get himself back up to scratch after the euphoria of just seven days previously when he struck gold in the European Junior 200m Final, in Estonia.
David qualified for the semi-finals in third place clocking 10.61s behind heat winner Mark Lewis-Francis (10.30s) and European and Commonwealth hurdles champion, Andy Turner (10.60s), after a horrendous start.
The second day of the championships will see the semi-finals and final of a hotly-contested 100m, and then day 3 will stage one of the most exciting 200m contests for years. Trackspeed1's James Ellington starts as a hot favourite to secure a seat on the plane to the World Championships in Korea next month - he will be looking for a minimum of a top two finish on Sunday evening.
Lawrence Wooldridge also goes in the 200m and will be looking to replicate some of the form he has shown in training this year, but who has yet to consistently transfer into competitive performances.
Lawrence Wooldridge also goes in the 200m and will be looking to replicate some of the form he has shown in training this year, but who has yet to consistently transfer into competitive performances.
Sunday 24 July 2011
BOLARINWA'S CLEAN SWEEP
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| David Bolarinwa with coach John Powell, in Tallinn, after the 17-year- old cleaned up with a full set of medals at the European Junior Championships. |
A scintillating run on anchor leg of the sprint relay almost hauled in the leading French team, but finished barely a tenth of a second behind, with one of the fastest times by a British junior quartet in years of 39.48s.
It was almost the perfect end to a week of high drama, after the devastation at sliding to third in the 100m on Friday, yet bouncing back with a world class gold medal-winning 200m the day after.
"It's been a real roller-coaster of a ride," said a delighted coach John Powell, "but this has encapsulated some of my proudest moments as a coach to a junior. There have been a few, but for David to bounce back from the huge disappointment of his 100m performance was very impressive indeed."
The immediate reaction of the British quartet was one of huge disappointment at not beating the French, but they slowly realised they had run a very classy time, and the team from France were a very impressive act, not least 100m Champion Jimmy Vicaut, whose 10.07s 100m on Friday was nothing short of breathtaking.
David will now return to the UK with little time even to draw breath, as he launches straight back into action on Friday night in the rounds of the 100m at the World Championship trials, in Birmingham. After that, he and coach John Powell will sit down and map out the finale to his season which may involve one more foray into a European Permit meeting.
Elsewhere in Trackspeed1, final preparations are being put together for the trials meeting next weekend. At the forefront of Powell's thoughts will be James Ellington, who goes in a hotly-contested 200m on Sunday. He should be right in the mix for selection to the World Championships, in South Korea, at the end of August if he continues the outstanding form he has shown to date in 2011.
In the 100m and 200m will be Jason Hussain, who hit lifetime best form just at the right time this weekend, and he will be joined in the 100m by Alex Ojo, and in the 200m by Kieran Daly and Lawrence Wooldridge.
So seven Trackspeed1 athletes will be taking part in the UK Athletics showpiece of the season and, if most perform to potential, they will confirm 2011 as one of the most outstanding seasons in the squad's history!
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| James Ellington will be looking to impact on the 200m at the Birmingham trials, as David Bolarinwa (left of picture) will debut at his first ever senior championships |
Saturday 23 July 2011
EUROPEAN CHAMPION - DAVID STRIKES GOLD
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| European Junior 200m Champion. Victory so sweet after the trials and tribulations of the 200m yesterday! |
In the semi-finals, David won his race in 21.36 despite a -2.6 headwind, but then spent half his recovery period before the final throwing up! And he admitted afterwards that he really didn't see how he was going to make the start line, much less win the final!
The double English national champion bounced back from the devastating disappointment of 24 hours before, when he took bronze in the 100m, producing a fine 21.36s run in the semi-final despite a -2.6m/s headwind. But the following half hour saw him violently ill, and his very participation in the championships sat in the balance!
"David was incredibly motivated for the 200," said coach John Powell, "he hardly spoke a word during warm-up, but you could see he was a very determined young man. I am so, so proud of him today - he is a year young in the under-20 age-group, and yet he has won a major championship. I'm told Atto Bolden has commented on Twitter that he is a major talent to come out of England. Compliment indeed!"
David's final time was 21.07s - the fastest 200m of his life, despite a headwind of -2.7m/s. He immediately won plaudits from all over the world with both his and coach John Powell's phone filling up with congratulatory messages.
"The photo I was sent of David crossing the line (above/top) will be etched on my mind forever," he said, "the job satisfaction gets no better than this with a young athlete."
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| David and elated coach John Powell celebrate 200m European Gold! |
It was a significant weekend for the experienced sprint talent of Jason Hussain too, with two lifetime best times in each sprint...
Competing in a Super8 meeting, at Crawley, the 24-year-old Crawley AC number one cracked his 100m best with a winning 10.76s with legal wind speed of +1.7m/s. Then he went on to record his fastest ever 200m of 21.23s, but was horrified to learn that the wind speed for that race was +2.1 - just 0.1m/s over the legal limit!
"It still shows the sort of form I'm in at the moment," said Jason, "and it's come just at the right time with the World Championship Trials just a week away now."
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| Jason Hussain had good reason to be smiling after two PB's at Crawley. |
Friday 22 July 2011
THIRD IN EUROPE!
For 99.99 per cent of athletes it would be a dream, but for Trackspeed1 wonderkid David Bolarinwa, a European Championship bronze medal was a let-down.
The 100m final in a steaming Kadriorg Stadium Tallin, where the temperature was 36 degrees and still rising at 6pm, failed to live up to the 17-year-old's expectations, leaving him third in a race won by one of the fastest juniors of all time.
Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut won in a stunning 10.07, but the real agony for David was that fellow Brit Adam Gemili ran the race of his life to out-dip him on the line for silver. Gemili clocked 10.41 and Bolarinwa 10.46.
"David was extremely disappointed," said coach John Powell, "and I can understand that. He has run faster times earlier in the season, and we have to look to see what, if anything, needs changing in the future. He was in superb form coming out here, and 10.46 does not represent what he is worth right now."
David will have very little time to lick his wounds though, with the semi-finals of the 200m tomorrow (Saturday at 2pm UK time), and the final two hours later.
"David is every inch capable of winning the 200m," said John, "as long as he snaps out of today's disappointment. He is a massive talent, and it would be a travesty for him to leave a championships like this without proving just that."
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| David ponders on what could have been, but will surely look back on a European medal as a major stepping stone to greater things in the future. |
Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut won in a stunning 10.07, but the real agony for David was that fellow Brit Adam Gemili ran the race of his life to out-dip him on the line for silver. Gemili clocked 10.41 and Bolarinwa 10.46.
"David was extremely disappointed," said coach John Powell, "and I can understand that. He has run faster times earlier in the season, and we have to look to see what, if anything, needs changing in the future. He was in superb form coming out here, and 10.46 does not represent what he is worth right now."
David will have very little time to lick his wounds though, with the semi-finals of the 200m tomorrow (Saturday at 2pm UK time), and the final two hours later.
"David is every inch capable of winning the 200m," said John, "as long as he snaps out of today's disappointment. He is a massive talent, and it would be a travesty for him to leave a championships like this without proving just that."
Thursday 21 July 2011
FRENCH LESSON FOR DAVID!
Tallinn update:
A 10.12s sprint into a -1.8m/s headwind eclipsed third-fastest qualifier David Bolarinwa's easy run in semi-final 2. David clocked a relaxed 10.55s to win his semi into a -0.5m/s wind after the Frenchman had left burn marks in his lane!
Britain's Adam Gemili was second-fastest in winning his heat in 10.49s with a -0.7m/s wind, making tomorrow afternoon's final a potentially thrilling affair.
"You've got to be real about it," said Trackspeed1 coach John Powell afterwards, "the French guy is going into the final as hot favourite, but nobody is unbeatable. The race for the other two medals will be tight, but David is every bit capable of silver which, as a first year in this age-group, would be terrific."
The 100m final takes place at 5.45pm local time tomorrow (3.45pm UK). David will then thank his luck stars the 200m is also a semi-final to final affair with the heats cancelled. They would have started soon after the 100m final, but are now scheduled for 4pm (semi's) on Saturday and 6.05pm (final).
The conditions in Tallinn were challenging on the first day, and promise to be at least as difficult on day 2. Temperatures hit the high thirties with huge humidity levels.
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| David Bolarinwa in his European Junior Championship semi-final, in Tallinn |
A 10.12s sprint into a -1.8m/s headwind eclipsed third-fastest qualifier David Bolarinwa's easy run in semi-final 2. David clocked a relaxed 10.55s to win his semi into a -0.5m/s wind after the Frenchman had left burn marks in his lane!
Britain's Adam Gemili was second-fastest in winning his heat in 10.49s with a -0.7m/s wind, making tomorrow afternoon's final a potentially thrilling affair.
"You've got to be real about it," said Trackspeed1 coach John Powell afterwards, "the French guy is going into the final as hot favourite, but nobody is unbeatable. The race for the other two medals will be tight, but David is every bit capable of silver which, as a first year in this age-group, would be terrific."
The 100m final takes place at 5.45pm local time tomorrow (3.45pm UK). David will then thank his luck stars the 200m is also a semi-final to final affair with the heats cancelled. They would have started soon after the 100m final, but are now scheduled for 4pm (semi's) on Saturday and 6.05pm (final).
The conditions in Tallinn were challenging on the first day, and promise to be at least as difficult on day 2. Temperatures hit the high thirties with huge humidity levels.
EUROPEAN JUNIORS - DAY 1
It's day one of the European Junior Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, and Trackspeed1 sprinter David Bolarinwa has already had some great news.
Round one of the 100m, due off this morning (Thursday 21st), has been cancelled, and the 22 competitors entered will go straight to the semi-finals this afternoon. Go-time for David is 5.22pm (3.22pm UK time). A live feed on the event should be available at the European Athletics website. Eurosport are also covering the championships on Sky channels 410 and 412HD.
The draw for this afternoon's kick-off sees David in heat two, lane 2, and on paper his closest rival has a best time of 10.52s, so the inference is that he should be heading for the final tomorrow. The conditions in Tallinn, as reported by coach John Powell, who arrived yesterday, are quite challenging though:
"It is phenomenally humid here," he said, "and certainly my hotel has no air conditioning, so David will have to manage his diet and fluids very carefully.
"The absence of a first round in the 100m is terrific, but there look to be more entries for the 200m, so we can't count on the same happening in that event, and that would still mean a 100m final quickly followed by the 200m first round tomorrow (Friday) evening.
"It's a huge four days for David, but he has already experienced these sort of conditions in Singapore last year, and he is a championship performer, so let's just hope things go well."
Only one athlete has ever brought home three medals from a major junior championship, and that was Britain's Mike McFarlane in 1979 when he won the 200m and relay, and took second in the 100m. This year could see two athletes emulate that achievement with both David in the men's events, and World Junior Champion Jodie Williams in both women's sprints.
Round one of the 100m, due off this morning (Thursday 21st), has been cancelled, and the 22 competitors entered will go straight to the semi-finals this afternoon. Go-time for David is 5.22pm (3.22pm UK time). A live feed on the event should be available at the European Athletics website. Eurosport are also covering the championships on Sky channels 410 and 412HD.
The draw for this afternoon's kick-off sees David in heat two, lane 2, and on paper his closest rival has a best time of 10.52s, so the inference is that he should be heading for the final tomorrow. The conditions in Tallinn, as reported by coach John Powell, who arrived yesterday, are quite challenging though:
"It is phenomenally humid here," he said, "and certainly my hotel has no air conditioning, so David will have to manage his diet and fluids very carefully.
"The absence of a first round in the 100m is terrific, but there look to be more entries for the 200m, so we can't count on the same happening in that event, and that would still mean a 100m final quickly followed by the 200m first round tomorrow (Friday) evening.
"It's a huge four days for David, but he has already experienced these sort of conditions in Singapore last year, and he is a championship performer, so let's just hope things go well."
Only one athlete has ever brought home three medals from a major junior championship, and that was Britain's Mike McFarlane in 1979 when he won the 200m and relay, and took second in the 100m. This year could see two athletes emulate that achievement with both David in the men's events, and World Junior Champion Jodie Williams in both women's sprints.
Saturday 16 July 2011
TRACKSPEED1 LINE UP FOR THE MAJORS
It's make or break now for Trackspeed1's season over the next 14 days, as all their big hitters head for the major meets of the year.
This weekend's England Championships, however, will only see three of the squad in action, with Lawrence Wooldridge, Matt Threadgold and Jason Hussain in the 200m. Threadgold ran the 400m today, but went out in the semi-finals with a 48.72s run that left him one agonising place outside the final.
Next week marks D-Day for David Bolarinwa - well, four times to be precise, as he contests both the 100m, 200m and relay for Great Britain in the European Junior Championships, in Tallinn, Estonia.
"David could have up to 8 races with three rounds in each individual sprint, plus possibly two runs in the relay," explained coach John Powell, who will be travelling to Tallinn himself on Wednesday. "Day one is Thursday with the 100m heat in the morning and semi-fionals in the afternoon. The final is on Friday evening as are the heats of the 200m, so a god recovery strategy is essential," he continued.
Meanwhile, James Ellington is focussing on the training track before he mounts his assault on the World Championship Trials on the weekend of July 30/31st. He will start as a solid favourite to get into the relay squad for the Championships in South Korea at the end of August, but will be looking to gain an individual berth too. As one of the fastest men in the country over 200m, he will start as a firm contender for his first ever medalist place in the major trials of the season.
The trials, which take place in Birmingham, should also feature Trackspeed1 names including Jason Hussain, Lawrence Wooldridge, Matt' Threadgold, and possibly even David Bolarinwa if he recovers in time from Tallinn.
Elsewhere in the squad, younger members have enjoyed a terrific season to date with Kieron Daley sneaking under 22 seconds for the first time ever last week - marking almost a second off his 2010 best. Younger brother Anton has been on form with his first ever sub-11 second 100m runs, and despite early season injury, Matt Threadgold has PB'd in the 400m.
"It's been a great year so far, but we've got the business end of the season coming up," said John.
This weekend's England Championships, however, will only see three of the squad in action, with Lawrence Wooldridge, Matt Threadgold and Jason Hussain in the 200m. Threadgold ran the 400m today, but went out in the semi-finals with a 48.72s run that left him one agonising place outside the final.
Next week marks D-Day for David Bolarinwa - well, four times to be precise, as he contests both the 100m, 200m and relay for Great Britain in the European Junior Championships, in Tallinn, Estonia.
"David could have up to 8 races with three rounds in each individual sprint, plus possibly two runs in the relay," explained coach John Powell, who will be travelling to Tallinn himself on Wednesday. "Day one is Thursday with the 100m heat in the morning and semi-fionals in the afternoon. The final is on Friday evening as are the heats of the 200m, so a god recovery strategy is essential," he continued.
Meanwhile, James Ellington is focussing on the training track before he mounts his assault on the World Championship Trials on the weekend of July 30/31st. He will start as a solid favourite to get into the relay squad for the Championships in South Korea at the end of August, but will be looking to gain an individual berth too. As one of the fastest men in the country over 200m, he will start as a firm contender for his first ever medalist place in the major trials of the season.
The trials, which take place in Birmingham, should also feature Trackspeed1 names including Jason Hussain, Lawrence Wooldridge, Matt' Threadgold, and possibly even David Bolarinwa if he recovers in time from Tallinn.
Elsewhere in the squad, younger members have enjoyed a terrific season to date with Kieron Daley sneaking under 22 seconds for the first time ever last week - marking almost a second off his 2010 best. Younger brother Anton has been on form with his first ever sub-11 second 100m runs, and despite early season injury, Matt Threadgold has PB'd in the 400m.
"It's been a great year so far, but we've got the business end of the season coming up," said John.
Monday 11 July 2011
DARK HORSE DALEY COMES OF AGE!
Eighteen-year-old Trackspeed1 sprinter Kieran Daley came of age in the 200m on Sunday (10th July) as he dipped into the 21-second bracket for the first time with a massive lifetime best run.
Competing in the National Junior League fixture for Blackheath and Bromley in Basildon, Essex, Kieran clocked 21.92s into a slight headwind, which completely eclipsed his 2010 best of 22.7s, and was not so far behind training partner David Bolarinwa who won the race in 21.49s.
"This was a massive improvement for Kieran," said coach John Powell, "but i told him only last week that he had a sub-22 second run in the tank, and now he's gone and proved it. Kieran could be a real dark horse over the next couple of years - technically he's still quite raw, and he is very much work in progress."
Bolarinwa was switching down a gear in competing at the meeting, but still had to overcome fellow British Junior International Adam Gemili in the 100m, which he succeeded in doing clocking a winning 10.56s. Now all roads lead to Tallin, Estonia, where David will open his account with the 100m heats next Thursday (July 21st).
Meanwhile James Ellington took part in the Diamond League meeting, in Birmingham, on Sunday, but failed to capture the form that has taken him into Britain's elite of the sprinting world, as he dropped back after a promising start to record 10.33s in sixth place.
"The absolute priority is to win gold in Tallin with David, and perform at the World Championship Trials for James," said John. "David is more than capable oif winning three golds in Tallin, and James is more than capable of getting an individual berth in the World Championships team in South Korea, were I would expect him to at least reach the semi-finals."
This season is rapidly turning into one of the most successful ever for Trackspeed1 as a whole, and the next 3 weeks comprise a critical period in the futures of the squad's top two international performers.
Competing in the National Junior League fixture for Blackheath and Bromley in Basildon, Essex, Kieran clocked 21.92s into a slight headwind, which completely eclipsed his 2010 best of 22.7s, and was not so far behind training partner David Bolarinwa who won the race in 21.49s.
"This was a massive improvement for Kieran," said coach John Powell, "but i told him only last week that he had a sub-22 second run in the tank, and now he's gone and proved it. Kieran could be a real dark horse over the next couple of years - technically he's still quite raw, and he is very much work in progress."
Bolarinwa was switching down a gear in competing at the meeting, but still had to overcome fellow British Junior International Adam Gemili in the 100m, which he succeeded in doing clocking a winning 10.56s. Now all roads lead to Tallin, Estonia, where David will open his account with the 100m heats next Thursday (July 21st).
Meanwhile James Ellington took part in the Diamond League meeting, in Birmingham, on Sunday, but failed to capture the form that has taken him into Britain's elite of the sprinting world, as he dropped back after a promising start to record 10.33s in sixth place.
"The absolute priority is to win gold in Tallin with David, and perform at the World Championship Trials for James," said John. "David is more than capable oif winning three golds in Tallin, and James is more than capable of getting an individual berth in the World Championships team in South Korea, were I would expect him to at least reach the semi-finals."
This season is rapidly turning into one of the most successful ever for Trackspeed1 as a whole, and the next 3 weeks comprise a critical period in the futures of the squad's top two international performers.
Sunday 3 July 2011
DAVID HITS THE MARK AS TALLIN TREBLE BECKONS
Trackspeed1's sprints superkid, David Bolarinwa (17) is hoping to be bidding for three medals in the European Junior Championships, in Tallin, Estonia, later this month.
The Ravensbourne School student, from Thamesmead, cracked the qualifying mark for the 200m in Mannheim, Germany today (Sunday 3rd) as he clocked 21.18s to win the annual international gala meet.
"It was far from a great run," said coach John Powell, "but it was good enough to slip inside the UKA qualifying mark of 21.25s. Now we would expect - and hope - that David is selected for the 100m and 200m in Tallin.
"There is bags more in the tank - David arrived back in London with a cold, so he has obviously not been 100 per cent. I would certainly expect well inside 21 seconds in the Europeans even though he could end up with eight races in five days."
David will have the 100m heats semi-finals and final on the first two days, and the heats of the 200m come immediately after the 100m final. Then semi's and final follow on day three with heats and final of the sprint relay after that.
"I fully expect David to come home with three European medals," added John. "It's going to be very tough, but I have every confidence in him."
July will see the culmination of what is building to be a spectacular season for Trackspeed1. This weekend saw personal bests from Anton Daly and Matt Threadgold, leaving barely a couple of athletes without lifetime best marks in 2011.
The Ravensbourne School student, from Thamesmead, cracked the qualifying mark for the 200m in Mannheim, Germany today (Sunday 3rd) as he clocked 21.18s to win the annual international gala meet.
"It was far from a great run," said coach John Powell, "but it was good enough to slip inside the UKA qualifying mark of 21.25s. Now we would expect - and hope - that David is selected for the 100m and 200m in Tallin.
"There is bags more in the tank - David arrived back in London with a cold, so he has obviously not been 100 per cent. I would certainly expect well inside 21 seconds in the Europeans even though he could end up with eight races in five days."
David will have the 100m heats semi-finals and final on the first two days, and the heats of the 200m come immediately after the 100m final. Then semi's and final follow on day three with heats and final of the sprint relay after that.
"I fully expect David to come home with three European medals," added John. "It's going to be very tough, but I have every confidence in him."
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| David mounts the rostrum as 200m winner in Mannheim. Britain's Sam Watts (right) was second, and the fastest junior in Europe from France third |
The European Junior Championships begin in Tallin on July 21st, and the trials for the World Championships are at the end of the month in Birmingham. There, James Ellington will fully expect to be in the mix for selection to the team travelling to Korea in August.
"We're going great guns at the moment," said John Powell, "but there's absolutely no room for complacency. It's foot on the gas all the way now, and in a month's time let's just hope this really does turn into our best year ever!"
Saturday 2 July 2011
TRACKSPEED1 HEADING FOR BEST SEASON EVER!
They've never had it so good - or so Trackspeed1 coach John Powell is beginning to think! What was to be a low profile weekend for the south London sprints group is again producing some scintillating results!
First, 16-year-old Anton Daly ran under 11 seconds for the second time in 24 hours, taking bronze at the English Schools championships, in Gateshead, clocking 10.92s in the intermediate boys 100m final - tantalisingly close to an international vest, which is awarded to the top two! And then came the league competitions down south...
Elder brother Kieron Daly, 18, ran inside 11 seconds for the third time in a week to clock 10.93s in a non-scoring 100m in the British League match in Kingston, while Jason Hussain ran one of his better 200m to finish second n 21.58s in the division one fixture, representing Crawley.
Meanwhile, James Ellington, the newly-crowned British number one, jogged round the 200 for Newham in the Premier League clash at Copthall Stadium, Barnet, and clocked a hugely impressive 20.80s despite a 2.0m/s headwind!
Then back at Kingston, Matt Threadgold at last set a lifetime best mark in the 400m. Running in the colours of Belgrave Harriers, the Loughborough student clocked in at 48.31s, while training partner at Trackspeed1, Lawrence Wooldridge timed an outstanding 48.56s.
John Powell, currently in Germany with David Bolarinwa who is representing Great Britain Juniors at a gala meeting in Mannheim, watched his starlet anchor the British team home in first place after some slick changes. He goes in the 200m individual event tomorrow.
First, 16-year-old Anton Daly ran under 11 seconds for the second time in 24 hours, taking bronze at the English Schools championships, in Gateshead, clocking 10.92s in the intermediate boys 100m final - tantalisingly close to an international vest, which is awarded to the top two! And then came the league competitions down south...
Elder brother Kieron Daly, 18, ran inside 11 seconds for the third time in a week to clock 10.93s in a non-scoring 100m in the British League match in Kingston, while Jason Hussain ran one of his better 200m to finish second n 21.58s in the division one fixture, representing Crawley.
Meanwhile, James Ellington, the newly-crowned British number one, jogged round the 200 for Newham in the Premier League clash at Copthall Stadium, Barnet, and clocked a hugely impressive 20.80s despite a 2.0m/s headwind!
Then back at Kingston, Matt Threadgold at last set a lifetime best mark in the 400m. Running in the colours of Belgrave Harriers, the Loughborough student clocked in at 48.31s, while training partner at Trackspeed1, Lawrence Wooldridge timed an outstanding 48.56s.
John Powell, currently in Germany with David Bolarinwa who is representing Great Britain Juniors at a gala meeting in Mannheim, watched his starlet anchor the British team home in first place after some slick changes. He goes in the 200m individual event tomorrow.
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| David leads Britain home to win the 4x100m relay in Mannheim |
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| The victorious relay team in Mannheim! |
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| David takes the baton from Adam Gemili on anchor leg in Germany |
ANTON's FIRST FINAL CURTAIN
Trackspeed1's ever-improving 16-year-old sprinter Anton Daly lines up today in an English Schools 100m final that could define a final curtain on part one of his track career.
As one of the fastest 3 qualifiers to today's intermediate boys (under-17) final, he stands an excellent chance of gaining his first ever international vest - just weeks before he will have to submit to major surgery!
Anton's 10.90 heat run yesterday (Friday 1st) was a personal best by two tenths of a second, and sees only one other qualifier faster than him in today's final. In a sudden death finale, the first two across the line will be selected to represent England at the home schools international v Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland next weekend.
It would be a huge moment for the Blackheath and Bromley sprinter, whose scoliosis condition (poorly-positioned spine) will be operated on in August. It will mean nine months away from the track for Anton, but as both athlete and his coach, John Powell accept, the longer term benefits will undoubtedly be huge.
"Anton is an exceptionally determined young man," said John, "and he will be a far better athlete once he recovers from this procedure. It will be tough, of course, for a teenager not to be able to engage in any physical sport for several months, but if anyone can come out of it a better athlete, Anton can."
Meanwhile, John has flown out to Mannheim, Germany, to watch double English Junior sprints champion. David Bolarinwa, compete against some of the leading athletes in Europe in the annual track gala, representing Great Britain Juniors. He runs in the relay today and 200m tomorrow.
"It's my last chance to get a 200m qualifying time for the European Championships," said David, "so John and I agreed we might as well have a go. It's 21.25 and I ran 21.27 last week, so I know I can do it."
David is likely to ask selectors to include him in both sprints in the European Junior Championships later this month in Tallin, Estonia, if he is successful.
Top-ranked British 200m man James Ellington is also in action this weekend, representing Newham and Essex Beagles in the second round of the British Athletics League, at their Premier League fixture, at Copthall Stadium, Barnet. He goes in the 100m, 200m and sprint relay, while training partner Jason Hussain represents Crawley at their division one fixture at Kingston. Matt Threadgold goes for Belgrave in the 400m at the same venue.
As one of the fastest 3 qualifiers to today's intermediate boys (under-17) final, he stands an excellent chance of gaining his first ever international vest - just weeks before he will have to submit to major surgery!
Anton's 10.90 heat run yesterday (Friday 1st) was a personal best by two tenths of a second, and sees only one other qualifier faster than him in today's final. In a sudden death finale, the first two across the line will be selected to represent England at the home schools international v Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland next weekend.
It would be a huge moment for the Blackheath and Bromley sprinter, whose scoliosis condition (poorly-positioned spine) will be operated on in August. It will mean nine months away from the track for Anton, but as both athlete and his coach, John Powell accept, the longer term benefits will undoubtedly be huge.
"Anton is an exceptionally determined young man," said John, "and he will be a far better athlete once he recovers from this procedure. It will be tough, of course, for a teenager not to be able to engage in any physical sport for several months, but if anyone can come out of it a better athlete, Anton can."
Meanwhile, John has flown out to Mannheim, Germany, to watch double English Junior sprints champion. David Bolarinwa, compete against some of the leading athletes in Europe in the annual track gala, representing Great Britain Juniors. He runs in the relay today and 200m tomorrow.
"It's my last chance to get a 200m qualifying time for the European Championships," said David, "so John and I agreed we might as well have a go. It's 21.25 and I ran 21.27 last week, so I know I can do it."
David is likely to ask selectors to include him in both sprints in the European Junior Championships later this month in Tallin, Estonia, if he is successful.
Top-ranked British 200m man James Ellington is also in action this weekend, representing Newham and Essex Beagles in the second round of the British Athletics League, at their Premier League fixture, at Copthall Stadium, Barnet. He goes in the 100m, 200m and sprint relay, while training partner Jason Hussain represents Crawley at their division one fixture at Kingston. Matt Threadgold goes for Belgrave in the 400m at the same venue.
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