Trackspeed1 UK sprinters have been beavering away at the gutsy Autumn training schedule this last few weeks, but as the festive season beckons, there are two very positive developments as they head toward 2014.
First, the heavy duty sessions that traditionally prove to be the bane of a sprinter's life in the autumn months rapidly convert to speed as the indoor season opens, and second, international sprinter Josh Swaray has begun training under TS1 UK coach John Powell.
Swaray, who clocked a lifetime best 10.20 in the summer, lifts the bar in the squad significantly, and even in the early few sessions his presence is proving a real motivator for his younger compatriots.
"I've known Josh a long time, because he's coached for my Met-Track programme , but I have always also admired him from a distance as a sprinter," said Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach, John Powell.
"In my mind Josh has more in the tank than his 10.20, and I only hope we can tease that out of him. He will be great for the group, especially for the juniors to look up to, but also a great training partner for the likes of Kieran Daly, and English Schools international Fawwaz Okunola, whose potential certainly matches that of Josh.
"The winter has gone well so far for the majority. I'm not going to name names at this stage as it would be unfair to put people under pressure, but they know who they are - just the same as those who haven't quite put in the work - they know they have to up their game if 2014 is to bring them success."
The year has ended for John in the most spectacular fashion possible with the birth of another daughter, Jessica Anne, on 27th November. Having moved house 3 weeks earlier too, he will be looking forward to a little more stability as the New Year dawns!
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Thursday 10 October 2013
POWELL HONOURED AT THE PALACE
Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach, John Powell, received his MBE from Her Majesty The Queen today in an investiture ceremony conducted at Buckingham Palace. He described the experience as "one of the proudest days of my life."
John, who learned of the impending Honour back in May this year for 'Services to Athletics', attended the event along with his wife, Chanphen, mother Ellen, and the person responsible for the nomination in the first place, former junior international sprinter, Jason Hussain.
As if the day wasn't memorable enough, special permission was granted for his daughter Jasmine (19 months), escorted by God Mother Lucy Eggleton, to access the inner courtyard at the Palace for the official photo-calls afterwards.
"That made it all the more exceptional," said John. Everything is a blur when your name is announced and you walk up to Her Majesty to receive your medal, but afterwards in the Courtyard it was really quite emotional, especially when I saw Jasmine standing there.
"It was an amazing event, obviously very well conducted. My short conversation with The Queen centred around coaching and the Met-Track scheme. She actually presented the medals after our first season, when visiting Bexley Borough, where I was serving as a Police Superintendent in 2005.
"I know there must have been a fair bit of support shown for the original nomination, so I can only send out my warmest and most sincere gratitude to anyone involved, especially of course Jason who put the whole thing together.
"Today was a truly humbling experience that I will never ever forget."
After savouring the experience today, John will land back on terra firma on Saturday as Trackspeed1 UK reconvene for day one of winter training!
"We have a decent group of athletes this year after a bit of a dip this last season, so I am looking forward to getting back into the groove with stopwatch and clip-board," he warned.
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| John Powell with his MBE at Buckingham Palace today |
As if the day wasn't memorable enough, special permission was granted for his daughter Jasmine (19 months), escorted by God Mother Lucy Eggleton, to access the inner courtyard at the Palace for the official photo-calls afterwards.
"That made it all the more exceptional," said John. Everything is a blur when your name is announced and you walk up to Her Majesty to receive your medal, but afterwards in the Courtyard it was really quite emotional, especially when I saw Jasmine standing there.
"It was an amazing event, obviously very well conducted. My short conversation with The Queen centred around coaching and the Met-Track scheme. She actually presented the medals after our first season, when visiting Bexley Borough, where I was serving as a Police Superintendent in 2005.
"I know there must have been a fair bit of support shown for the original nomination, so I can only send out my warmest and most sincere gratitude to anyone involved, especially of course Jason who put the whole thing together.
"Today was a truly humbling experience that I will never ever forget."
After savouring the experience today, John will land back on terra firma on Saturday as Trackspeed1 UK reconvene for day one of winter training!
"We have a decent group of athletes this year after a bit of a dip this last season, so I am looking forward to getting back into the groove with stopwatch and clip-board," he warned.
Sunday 29 September 2013
NEW TECHNICAL CONSULTANT SIGNS FOR TS1
Trackspeed1 UK have gained a priceless new partner in Technical Consultant, Walt Cline, one of the leading sources of expertise on technique in sport in the US.
Walt Cline is a Sport Science Coach and Consultant to developmental, scholastic, collegiate, and professional athletes, corporations, and military populations in the USA. Walt's professional training and licensing has allowed him to work with athletes and individuals at every level from youth to professional.
"I met Walt at UVA (University of Virginia, Charlottesville) and it was clear from the off that he is very passionate about sport, coaching, and possesses a massive depth of technical knowledge," said TS1 Chief Coach, John Powell.
"Even though he may be a few miles away, modern day technology can bring him over to our own front door. He represents a fantastic source of advice for anyone in Trackspeed1 UK, not least myself, to bounce ideas off, or simply share issues with with a view to finding solutions. I really hope some of our folks take advantage of what is surely a unique potential learning experience."
Walt has 17 years' experience coordinating and developing programming as a consultant, teacher, coach and subject matter expert to sports programs in youth, developmental, scholastic, collegiate and professional settings - in John's words, he represents "...almost the ideal source of consultancy anyone could wish for."
Trackspeed1 UK's international approach to recruiting the widest and most diverse sources of advice and ideas around training was dealt a further boost after John expanded the association with UVA Head Coach Bryan Fetzer, who willingly moved into the role of Performance Consultant from Training Advisor.
"All this may seem a little heady at first," said John, "but when we all report back for squad training on October 12, I will make sure everyone is clear on just what this represents for them as members of the group."
Asked why he didn't recruit sources of expertise nearer home, John explained:
"There is a wealth of knowledge here in the UK, and there have been some terrific positive steps toward coach development, especially through the National Coach Development Programme, but ultimately a lot of the expertise is limited to elite athletes. Sadly there are risks when your athlete starts talking to other coaching regimes locally too."
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| Walt Cline - new Trackspeed1 UK Technical Consultant. See http://h2ksports.com/ for his full profile and website. |
Friday 27 September 2013
STATESIDE HOOK-UPS PROMISE MUCH FOR TS1
Trackspeed1 UK Chief Coach, John Powell's Stateside visit landed him in the State of Virginia this week, and he had very quickly recruited a wealth of expertise for the squad over the coming year.
After revisiting his old stomping ground at Harvard University, Boston, the hook-up with Virginia's Chief Track and Field coach, Bryan Fetzer (formerly at Harvard) paid dividends.
Details will appear on this blog very soon, but with links continuing at Harvard, and a Washington DC-based coach already buying into links with Trackspeed1, John was already very excited about the potential for his athletes in 2013/14 and on.
"We have a wealth of expertise in the UK, but if you limit the range of your knowledge to your own shores it is a very naive strategy indeed. I have learned so much from my links in the US over the years, and this summer's trip has extended the potential to develop and learn still further.
"It's potential links for the athletes, most importantly, as well as the coaching staff in the squad," he continued, "and I believe that puts us in a very unique position indeed. I hope to elaborate very soon."
Trackspeed1 UK regroup as a squad for training on October 12th - two days after John visits Buckingham Palace to collect his MBE from The Queen!
Friday 16 August 2013
POWELL APOLOGISES AFTER ELLINGTON'S SLATING
Trackspeed1 UK coach John Powell has issued a public apology to James Ellington for holding him back in his sprinting career. The 27-year-old told the world's media he had not realised he had been subjected to a "young programme" which was "clearly not world class" during his world championship interview with the BBC.
"I can only apologise to James for holding him back," said Powell, " and I must also apologise to the dozens of other internationals who have developed with Trackspeed1 that I did not push them on to coaches possessing magic wands in the past.
"I am devastated that an athlete who I have supported through thick and thin, and probably saved his career on at least 2 occasions, believes that he has been subjected to an inferior training programme.
"To all those athletes who feel they have been held back, I unreservedly apologise. To the coaches who have 'rescued' athletes from my squad in the past - I now see you were absolutely right. What more can I say - you are clearly far superior to me.
"I am away on holiday visiting family in the Far East right now and have only heard about James's feelings being aired through numerous messages prompted by his comments. What can I say - I am truly gutted."
"I can only apologise to James for holding him back," said Powell, " and I must also apologise to the dozens of other internationals who have developed with Trackspeed1 that I did not push them on to coaches possessing magic wands in the past.
"I am devastated that an athlete who I have supported through thick and thin, and probably saved his career on at least 2 occasions, believes that he has been subjected to an inferior training programme.
"To all those athletes who feel they have been held back, I unreservedly apologise. To the coaches who have 'rescued' athletes from my squad in the past - I now see you were absolutely right. What more can I say - you are clearly far superior to me.
"I am away on holiday visiting family in the Far East right now and have only heard about James's feelings being aired through numerous messages prompted by his comments. What can I say - I am truly gutted."
Thursday 1 August 2013
ACADEMY SHINES BUT EYES ARE ON 2014
In the word of Trackspeed1 UK's chief Coach, John Powell, "it's been a funny old season", but nobody can deny that the launching of the squad's Academy barely 9 months ago has proved a rip-roaring success writes Jeremy Townsend.
The departure of London Olympian James Ellington, European Junior Champion David Bolarinwa, and some other seniors last year, left one of Britain's most experienced sprints coaches pondering on his future, but the successes across the board in 2013 have recaptured his appetite for the job!
"I am still completely gutted at some of the departures last year," he confessed, "it was a real kick in the teeth! But the Academy idea has really taken off, and everyone has improved. We even created a new English and British Schools Champion!
"True, some of the seniors in the group haven't had the best year, but it takes time for a coach and athlete pairing to gel and develop, and I truly believe we are in a very good place looking ahead to Commonwealth Games year in 2014."
Olympic year was without doubt one of the best ever for Powell's charges with his athletes involved in all the major national and international events, and just about everyone in the group setting personal bests.
The coach's own world was lit up by the birth of his baby daughter in February, carrying the Olympic Torch in July, and his inclusion in the full TeamGB Olympic package, from the Portugal holding camp to the whole stadium experience. And on top of that an MBE was forthcoming earlier this year for 'Services to Athletics'!
"It was an amazing year," confessed Powell, "but we have to move on. 2013 has seen all our younger members PB, but where injuries have hampered others, I will be looking to pack in some serious conditioning this winter, plus other contingencies, to avoid a repetition in 2014.
"There will inevitably be one or two changes to the squad profile this autumn too. Already we have four potential new names for the group, but in order to create a positive training environment I may be reviewing just how much I can offer now for one or two existing athletes."
Trackspeed1 UK's long-established links in the United States may well be revived later this year before the group reconvene for winter, as Powell hopes to visit some American universities to consult with coaches and develop coaching ideas.
"There's an opportunity," he said, " but we could be moving house, and with a then 7-month pregnant wife, it will have to be a rather carefully-planned trip!"
The departure of London Olympian James Ellington, European Junior Champion David Bolarinwa, and some other seniors last year, left one of Britain's most experienced sprints coaches pondering on his future, but the successes across the board in 2013 have recaptured his appetite for the job!
"I am still completely gutted at some of the departures last year," he confessed, "it was a real kick in the teeth! But the Academy idea has really taken off, and everyone has improved. We even created a new English and British Schools Champion!
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| Matt Sinclair was one of the TS1 seniors who had a miserable 2013 with surgery now needed to settle his Achilles problem, but his eyes are already set on a massive comeback in 2014! |
Olympic year was without doubt one of the best ever for Powell's charges with his athletes involved in all the major national and international events, and just about everyone in the group setting personal bests.
The coach's own world was lit up by the birth of his baby daughter in February, carrying the Olympic Torch in July, and his inclusion in the full TeamGB Olympic package, from the Portugal holding camp to the whole stadium experience. And on top of that an MBE was forthcoming earlier this year for 'Services to Athletics'!
"It was an amazing year," confessed Powell, "but we have to move on. 2013 has seen all our younger members PB, but where injuries have hampered others, I will be looking to pack in some serious conditioning this winter, plus other contingencies, to avoid a repetition in 2014.
"There will inevitably be one or two changes to the squad profile this autumn too. Already we have four potential new names for the group, but in order to create a positive training environment I may be reviewing just how much I can offer now for one or two existing athletes."
Trackspeed1 UK's long-established links in the United States may well be revived later this year before the group reconvene for winter, as Powell hopes to visit some American universities to consult with coaches and develop coaching ideas.
"There's an opportunity," he said, " but we could be moving house, and with a then 7-month pregnant wife, it will have to be a rather carefully-planned trip!"
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| KIeran Daly and Fredrerick Afrifa power out of the blocks at the s quad's pre-season training camp in Florida, USA |
Sunday 7 July 2013
YET ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL IS BORN!
Fawwaz
Okunola powered to a sensational English Schools 100 metres title in Birmingham
on Saturday (6/7/13), and in so doing became yet another brilliant success story in a
glittering Trackspeed1 UK roll of honour over the years.
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| Fawwaz Okunola - English Schools Intermediate Boys 100 metres Champion, and yet another international graduate from Trackspeed1 UK |
Bromby had the crowd drawing breath as he
clocked 10.69s in the heats, but that was assisted by a +2.7 breeze, and evened
out with lesser winds in the other heats.
“I told Fawwaz he had to believe he could
beat Bromby and to really go for it in the semi, because if you go into a 100m
final with any doubts in your head you are finished,” said John.
Fawwaz had run 10.87 in the heats, a
hundredth off his PB, despite the negligible +0.3 breeze, but that reversed in
the semi to -1.4 as he saw off Bromby and others in a blanket finish. He clocked 11.00, just a hundredth ahead of
the Hampshire boy, with others closing in.
The final was set to be a classic.
With an international vest o offer for the
first two across the line, the stakes were high, but Fawaz took his opportunity
by the scruff of the neck. He blasted
out of the blocks, hit top speed, and switched on the after-burners as the rest
faded.
His 10.86s into a headwind of -1.5m/s in the final was exceptional, and would
convert to under 10.7 had that breeze reversed.
He crossed the line a clear tenth of a second ahead of the rest to take
gold, and be assured of a seat on the plane to Ireland next weekend for the
schools home international, representing England.
“I was delighted for Fawaaz, because it
came as the result of some conscientious training this last few months. He’s the youngest in the group, but probably
one of the most dedicated. He has three
years as an under-20 now, so we can develop him properly into hopefully a full
international.”
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| Fawwaz proudly shows off his English Schools gold |
Also competing in Birmingham was
Trackspeed1 UK’s Nathan Gilbert in the Senior Boys 100m. Nathan’s season promised so much, but had
thus far been frustrated with a lengthy hamstring problem, and more lately
illness.
The heats saw him glued to his blocks, but
he came through the field in the latter stages to qualify for the final in
second, clocking 11.00 facing a -1.4m/s wind.
In the final, he clocked a highly
respectable 10.86s with a -0.1 breeze, taking fifth place which, under the
circumstances, was exceptional. He
hadn’t finished there though!
With the new found belief that he could
still run despite all his trials and tribulations in recent weeks, he anchored
a nervous London Schools team in the 4x100m relay. None of the teams had thus far wpo a medal in
a disastrous string of results that, if continued in the senior boys race,
would make it their worst showing in 30 years!
Nathan was in no mood to return home empty
handed though, and duly took his team from fifth when he received the baton, to
the bronze medal position at the line, to complete a hugely satisfactory day
for the Trackspeed1 pair.
Both results were a massive testimony to
the success of the Trackspeed1 UK Academy launched only last Autumn. Intending to open an elite squad’s doors to
younger developing athletes, results like Fawwaz, and the potential shown by
Nathan have continued an impressive roll of honour for the group, stretching
back years into the early eighties.
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| Nathan Gilbert - 5th in the Senior Boys 100m, and took London to bronze in the relay |
Friday 5 July 2013
FAWWAZ HEADS FOR GLORY!
Trackspeed1 sprinter Fawwaz Okunola walked into today's English Schools Intermediate Boys 100m semi-finas with performance of sheer class at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.
The youngest member of John Powell's elite squad powered to a 10.87s win in the heats of the 100m, leaving hi as one of the firm favourites to feature in the top three tomorrow (Saturday).
Of the two Trackspeed1 UK guys competing in the schoolboy olympics, Fawwaz lined himself up as yet another product of the Trackspeed1 development formula. That said, Nathan Gilbert will acknowledge his nightmare start in the senior boys heats - which still saw him progress to the final - shows that he is also in the mix for honours on day 2.
If Fawwaz does emerge victorious over all but one of his opponents, then he will be yet another international graduate of the training group that professes to produce more new internationals from grass roots tan another in the country.
"Fawwaz ran very welL in the heats," said coach John Powell, "but he will have to improve in the semi and final if he is to go to Dublin for the international next week. Either way though, he is proving here - yet again - that he is one of the most talented sprinters of his age in the country, and to that end I am very proud of him."
In the Senior Boys 100m Nathan Gilbert overcame a nightmare start to qualify for Saturday's final with a modest 11.0s second-placed performance. His problem sciatic nerve this year left him struggling out of the blocks, but he recovered to qualify for the final on Saturday afternoon.
Check out London Athletics who are providing a news feed on Twitter with latest updates. Follow @londonathletics
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| Fawwaz Okunola breezes to a 100m internadiate boys 100m win in BIRMINGHAM |
Of the two Trackspeed1 UK guys competing in the schoolboy olympics, Fawwaz lined himself up as yet another product of the Trackspeed1 development formula. That said, Nathan Gilbert will acknowledge his nightmare start in the senior boys heats - which still saw him progress to the final - shows that he is also in the mix for honours on day 2.
If Fawwaz does emerge victorious over all but one of his opponents, then he will be yet another international graduate of the training group that professes to produce more new internationals from grass roots tan another in the country.
"Fawwaz ran very welL in the heats," said coach John Powell, "but he will have to improve in the semi and final if he is to go to Dublin for the international next week. Either way though, he is proving here - yet again - that he is one of the most talented sprinters of his age in the country, and to that end I am very proud of him."
In the Senior Boys 100m Nathan Gilbert overcame a nightmare start to qualify for Saturday's final with a modest 11.0s second-placed performance. His problem sciatic nerve this year left him struggling out of the blocks, but he recovered to qualify for the final on Saturday afternoon.
Check out London Athletics who are providing a news feed on Twitter with latest updates. Follow @londonathletics
Saturday 15 June 2013
COACH JOHN POWELL RECEIVES THE MBE
Trackspeed1 UK coach John Powell has been awarded the MBE for services to Athletics. His name is included in The Queen's birthday Honours List today (Saturday 15/6) writes a South London journalist.
The 54-year-old speed coach, who has been coaching athletes from the ground floor right the way through to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and various World and European Championships for over 37 years, is bestowed with the ultimate accolade any British Citizen can receive.
Over his virtually four decades in the sport, John has fulfilled admin', management, planning, organizational, and of course coaching roles since his school PE teacher thrust a club membership form in his hand for Herne Hill Harriers in 1975.
Since then he has held offices such as Herne Hill Junior Captain, Founder and Team Manager of the hugely successful Blackheath Harriers youth scheme in the 80s and 90's, and then lead Belgrave Harriers to National Junior League titles in the late 90's and early 2000's.
Along the way, he has sat on numerous local, regional and national committees, and was secretary of the AAA of England Track and Field set-up for a time. He has managed or coached any number of England or Great Britain teams at international events, and was a part of the coaching team on TeamGB in Athens and London.
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| Trackspeed1 UK coach John Powell - seen here carrying the Olympic Torch at Crystal Palace last year - has been Honoured by The Queen in her 2013 Birthday Honours List |
The former Police Superintendent, who retired from the London force late in 2011 after over 30 years' service, also set up the Met-Track project which has gone from strength to strength in London, using sport as a medium to push young lives back into positive pathways. He recently gained National Lottery support for this to the tune of £300,000 over 3 years.
The notification of John's Honour came last month and arrived just 2 hours after he had landed at Gatwick after 5 weeks' warm weather training in the USA:
"I was heavily jet-lagged, and at first thought it must be something to do with the tax man when I saw the envelope, but when I read it, my reaction scared my one year-old half to death!," he said.
"Obviously I'm totally humbled by this. It came completely out of the blue, and quite honestly I am totally blown away by it."
John will hear over the next few months the exact date he is to be summoned to Buckingham Palace to receive the award, which could round off a pretty spectacular year with his wife due to give birth to his second child in 22 months in early December!
The citation for his MBE - which stands for 'Member of the British Empire' - reads : "Athletics coach. Services to Athletics'. It will be the second award he has received in the last 2 years, having won the England Athletics London Region 'Services to Coaching Award' in 2011.
John, who is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), also holds the Metropolitan Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal 2002, and The Queen's Jubilee Medal for public service 2012. His name is added alongside numerous household names in British Athletics, including Phillips Idowu MBE (whom he used to coach as a junior), Jessica Ennis MBE and Mark Lewis-Francis MBE among many others, and coach Malcolm Arnold MBE, who was Honoured last year.
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JOHN V. POWELL MBE, FRSA
Above: the letter received notifying John of his Honour.
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Tuesday 11 June 2013
FAWWAZ HITS FORM ON TIME
Trackspeed1 UK's youngest sprinter, 15-year-old Fawwaz Okunola, has hit form just at the right time as he warms up for the highlights of hi summer track season.
Competing in an open meeting at Lee Valley last Wednesday he clocked one of the fastest times in the UK for an under-17 over 200 metres of 22.03s, adding a 10.86s 100 metres sprint over the shorter distance.
Both performances were lifetime bests, an both came just before the qualifying London Schools Championships, where selection is finalised for the prestigious English Schools Championships.
The London event, at Battersea Park, suffered from cold headwinds which slowed all the sprinters down, but Fawwaz held off traditionally strong opposition in the sprints to win the 100m final in a hand-timed 10.9s. He opted out of the 200m to protect an aching hamstring.
"Fawwaz has progressed exceedingly well since he joined the squad," said his coach John Powell, "and this is having only really trained with us for half the winter. Next time round he will be stronger and fitter, so his potential is very real."
It was a clean sweep of medals for Trackspeed1 UK sprinters in the Londons, with training partner Frederick Afrifa securing 200m gold in the under-17 final after a super bend that swept most of the opposition away in the first half of the race. He clocked 22.6s into a fierce breeze, although Powell assured him afterwards that this was nowhere near where he could be.
"Frederick suffered a niggle in his hip at just the wrong time during his preparation," John explained, "and that has affected the end result in his running this summer. He is a potential sub-22 second 200m athlete now, never mind in the future, and it's just tragic that he hasn't yet been able to reproduce the form that promised to take him to the World Youth Championships for Italy later this summer."
The third Trackspeed1 UK athlete taking part at Battersea had dragged himself out of his sick bed t ensure his English Schools place was assured. Nathan Gilbert had been posting personal bests over 100 metres all season, but contracted a flu bug at the beginning of the week.
Although described by his coach as 'rather rough' his performance was sufficient to make him a virtual certainty for the Birmingham nationals, after he cinched silver in the Senior Boys final in a rapid 10.8s which was pretty much level with his personal best 10.73, although the latter was wind-assisted!
Just 48 hours later some of the Trackspeed1 UK Academy athletes braved the coldest night of June so far at Norman Park, Bromley. The highlight here were two personal bests by Peter Olusakin who clocked wind legal times of 11.95s and 24.53s.
Competing in an open meeting at Lee Valley last Wednesday he clocked one of the fastest times in the UK for an under-17 over 200 metres of 22.03s, adding a 10.86s 100 metres sprint over the shorter distance.
Both performances were lifetime bests, an both came just before the qualifying London Schools Championships, where selection is finalised for the prestigious English Schools Championships.
The London event, at Battersea Park, suffered from cold headwinds which slowed all the sprinters down, but Fawwaz held off traditionally strong opposition in the sprints to win the 100m final in a hand-timed 10.9s. He opted out of the 200m to protect an aching hamstring.
"Fawwaz has progressed exceedingly well since he joined the squad," said his coach John Powell, "and this is having only really trained with us for half the winter. Next time round he will be stronger and fitter, so his potential is very real."
It was a clean sweep of medals for Trackspeed1 UK sprinters in the Londons, with training partner Frederick Afrifa securing 200m gold in the under-17 final after a super bend that swept most of the opposition away in the first half of the race. He clocked 22.6s into a fierce breeze, although Powell assured him afterwards that this was nowhere near where he could be.
"Frederick suffered a niggle in his hip at just the wrong time during his preparation," John explained, "and that has affected the end result in his running this summer. He is a potential sub-22 second 200m athlete now, never mind in the future, and it's just tragic that he hasn't yet been able to reproduce the form that promised to take him to the World Youth Championships for Italy later this summer."
The third Trackspeed1 UK athlete taking part at Battersea had dragged himself out of his sick bed t ensure his English Schools place was assured. Nathan Gilbert had been posting personal bests over 100 metres all season, but contracted a flu bug at the beginning of the week.
Although described by his coach as 'rather rough' his performance was sufficient to make him a virtual certainty for the Birmingham nationals, after he cinched silver in the Senior Boys final in a rapid 10.8s which was pretty much level with his personal best 10.73, although the latter was wind-assisted!
Just 48 hours later some of the Trackspeed1 UK Academy athletes braved the coldest night of June so far at Norman Park, Bromley. The highlight here were two personal bests by Peter Olusakin who clocked wind legal times of 11.95s and 24.53s.
Saturday 25 May 2013
EDMOND SOUNDS HIS BATTLE CRY
Trackspeed1 UK's Edmond Amaning kicked his season off in style today (Saturday 25/5) with two gold medals, two personal bests, and a battle cry that will put the sprints world on alert!
Competing in the Middlesex County Championships, at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Edmond secured gold in both 100m and 200m, cracking lifetime best marks in both events in the process!
The 100m came first, and a pedestrian 10.86s heat demolished the opposition despite a helpful following wind, but the final saw him switch into overdrive.
Running 10.44s took him to a new lifetime best mark, and saw the rest of the field trailing in behind. As his number two event, it was a more than encouraging start for both athlete and coach, John Powell.
In the 200m later the same day, Edmond opened up with a 22.0s hand-timed performance that saw the rest of the field trying in vein to cling on to his shirt tails. This time there was no following wind, but that was academic as Edmond proved he was in a different class to the rest.
There was little doubt a to the ultimate result, and the only issue was how fast he would run. In the event, he won the final in 21.10s - just inside his 2012 personal best mark of 21.13 to complete a highly satisfactory first day of the 2013 outdoor season.
Competing in the same meeting, Trackspeed1 UK's Nathan Gilbert was contesting the under-20 men's 100m, and he too left with a medal around his neck.
After a miserable last 2 months of winter that saw a hamstring injury refuse to budge as it should have done, and a warm weather training trip in the States where he could barely run close to flat out, personal best times were not a priority. But that is exactly what he produced!
In the heat he was aided by a following wind of +3.9 to cross the line in 10.82s, but in the final that abated to +2.4 when he timed a fastest ever 10.73s to silver.
"The wind may not have been quite legal in the final," said coach John Powell, "but he was way ahead of his 10.9+ PB from last tear and it won;t have helped him that much.
"Overall it was a great first day for both athletes and I am very proud of their efforts. We have to move on though, and we will need more from both lads if they are to come close to their personal goals for 2013."
Competing in the Middlesex County Championships, at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Edmond secured gold in both 100m and 200m, cracking lifetime best marks in both events in the process!
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| Edmond Amaning (right) on his way to 200m gold |
Running 10.44s took him to a new lifetime best mark, and saw the rest of the field trailing in behind. As his number two event, it was a more than encouraging start for both athlete and coach, John Powell.
In the 200m later the same day, Edmond opened up with a 22.0s hand-timed performance that saw the rest of the field trying in vein to cling on to his shirt tails. This time there was no following wind, but that was academic as Edmond proved he was in a different class to the rest.
There was little doubt a to the ultimate result, and the only issue was how fast he would run. In the event, he won the final in 21.10s - just inside his 2012 personal best mark of 21.13 to complete a highly satisfactory first day of the 2013 outdoor season.
Competing in the same meeting, Trackspeed1 UK's Nathan Gilbert was contesting the under-20 men's 100m, and he too left with a medal around his neck.
After a miserable last 2 months of winter that saw a hamstring injury refuse to budge as it should have done, and a warm weather training trip in the States where he could barely run close to flat out, personal best times were not a priority. But that is exactly what he produced!
In the heat he was aided by a following wind of +3.9 to cross the line in 10.82s, but in the final that abated to +2.4 when he timed a fastest ever 10.73s to silver.
"The wind may not have been quite legal in the final," said coach John Powell, "but he was way ahead of his 10.9+ PB from last tear and it won;t have helped him that much.
"Overall it was a great first day for both athletes and I am very proud of their efforts. We have to move on though, and we will need more from both lads if they are to come close to their personal goals for 2013."
Tuesday 7 May 2013
SPRINTERS HEAD HOME
Trackspeed1 UK's longest pre-season training camp, in Florida, USA, ends this week as the squad head homeward after what coach John Powell described as "by and large a pretty solid trip consisting of some pretty impressive focus and hard work!"
Apart from this who have already stretched their legs in either Gainesville or Orlando at US meetings, Trackspeed1 UK athletes have a varied race plan this year, and are looking to open up their summer programme at various stages this month.
Currently, Julian Thomas intends to begin his 2013 campaign in Lockeren, Belgium, on May 19th, whilst England 200m Champion Edmond Amaning will probably wait for the Middlesex County Championships at the end of the month to begin his campaign.
Former European under-23 400m hurdles champion, Lloyd Gumbs, may well use the Loughborough international meeting to launch his attack on his specialist 400 m hurdles event, while training partner Matthew Sinclair will be hoping to be at the same venue in the 400m.
Kieran Daly, described as a real dark horse this year by his coach, picked up a groin strain in Florida, and is leaving his campaign until the end of this month, but fellow sprinter, 16-year-old Frederick Afrifa, may be flying to his native Italy to compete in a youth meeting in Bressanone on Saturday 18th.
"Everyone who travelled to the US camp will be returning in way better shape than they left the UK," commented John Powell, "and although Kieran has a niggle to deal with he will be fine come the major meets of the year.
"It's been a very productive few weeks here, and with a largely new squad this year, I am looking forward to seeing people do justice to a lot of hard graft through the winter months."
Apart from this who have already stretched their legs in either Gainesville or Orlando at US meetings, Trackspeed1 UK athletes have a varied race plan this year, and are looking to open up their summer programme at various stages this month.
Currently, Julian Thomas intends to begin his 2013 campaign in Lockeren, Belgium, on May 19th, whilst England 200m Champion Edmond Amaning will probably wait for the Middlesex County Championships at the end of the month to begin his campaign.
Former European under-23 400m hurdles champion, Lloyd Gumbs, may well use the Loughborough international meeting to launch his attack on his specialist 400 m hurdles event, while training partner Matthew Sinclair will be hoping to be at the same venue in the 400m.
Kieran Daly, described as a real dark horse this year by his coach, picked up a groin strain in Florida, and is leaving his campaign until the end of this month, but fellow sprinter, 16-year-old Frederick Afrifa, may be flying to his native Italy to compete in a youth meeting in Bressanone on Saturday 18th.
"Everyone who travelled to the US camp will be returning in way better shape than they left the UK," commented John Powell, "and although Kieran has a niggle to deal with he will be fine come the major meets of the year.
"It's been a very productive few weeks here, and with a largely new squad this year, I am looking forward to seeing people do justice to a lot of hard graft through the winter months."
 |
| Trackspeed1 UK coach John Powell hinted at the end of his squad's Florida training camp that a late training performance promises great things for at least one of his stable this summer. Watch this space! |
Thursday 2 May 2013
BACK IN ACTION AND PB's ALREADY!
Trackspeed1 UK sped back into track action on Saturday (20th), ironically in the coldest and wettest conditions of the Florida Spring so far, but there were still PB's set on day one of their season!
Predictably it was Kieran Daly (20) and Frederick Afrifa (16) who improved lifetime sprint marks after some very focussed training during the squad's first couple of weeks Stateside.
Daly, whose 200m best remained static last year due to the lack of outings over the distance, reduced his 21.9 best to 21.69s, but clearly has far more to come.
Afrifa, the youngest in the America party, took a tenth off his 200m best to record 22.51s after struggling to an 11.27s 100m which coach John Powell said was well below what he is capable of.
"These best times were well deserved by two guys who have worked very hard in training," said John Powell. "The most encouraging thing though is that Kieran has much more to offer as he steps his training levels up, and Fred at only 16 will progress significantly."
Afrifa's 200m was a World Youth Championships qualifying mark for his home country of Italy, and so puts him n pole position to represent his country in Donetsk later this year.
Other Trackspeed1 UK performances were all encouraging given it was the first competition day of the year, and that the conditions hardly promoted excellent sprinting.
Julian Thomas stretched is legs with an opening 100m in 10.66s burst, but will be looking to improve on his 21.57s 200m. Remaining results are below...
Predictably it was Kieran Daly (20) and Frederick Afrifa (16) who improved lifetime sprint marks after some very focussed training during the squad's first couple of weeks Stateside.
Daly, whose 200m best remained static last year due to the lack of outings over the distance, reduced his 21.9 best to 21.69s, but clearly has far more to come.
Afrifa, the youngest in the America party, took a tenth off his 200m best to record 22.51s after struggling to an 11.27s 100m which coach John Powell said was well below what he is capable of.
"These best times were well deserved by two guys who have worked very hard in training," said John Powell. "The most encouraging thing though is that Kieran has much more to offer as he steps his training levels up, and Fred at only 16 will progress significantly."
Afrifa's 200m was a World Youth Championships qualifying mark for his home country of Italy, and so puts him n pole position to represent his country in Donetsk later this year.
Other Trackspeed1 UK performances were all encouraging given it was the first competition day of the year, and that the conditions hardly promoted excellent sprinting.
Julian Thomas stretched is legs with an opening 100m in 10.66s burst, but will be looking to improve on his 21.57s 200m. Remaining results are below...
Ed' Amaning
|
Did
not compete
|
Frederick Afrifa
|
100m – 11.27 +1.4;
200m – 22.51 +1.6 PB
|
Julian Thomas
|
100m – 10.66 +0.8;
200m – 21.57 +0.4
|
Kieron Daly
|
100m – 10.82 +0.2;
21.69 +0.8 PB
|
Lloyd Gumbs
|
200m – 22.57 +0.8;
400m – 49.52
|
Matthew Sinclair
|
Trained,
did not compete
|
Nathan Gilbert
|
Trained,
did not compete
|
FAWWAZ OFF TO A FLYER!
Fawwaz Okunola was the toast of the newly formed Trackspeed1 UK Academy this week, as his season got off to a flyer at Crystal Palace.
The 15-year-old, who joined the new Academy earlier this year, opened his 2013 account with two blistering sprints that will already feature among the fastest in his age group in the UK.
The first race of the day was a heavily wind-assisted 100m, which he completed in a personal best 10.89s ahead of a +3.6m/s gust. However, the later 200m was not similarly affected, and a virtual zero wind reading meant his lifetime best of 22.37s (win reading -0.1m/s) now presents a bit of a decision as to which sprint he focuses on most later in the season.
"Fawwaz has terrific leg speed and I knew he was going to run fast over 100m, but I wasn't too sure of how much speed endurance we had managed to put into his legs since he joined us.
"His 200m time is excellent, and now he has a few decisions to make ahead of the main championships this year as to which sprint he wants to prioritise."
In the same open meeting at Crystal Palace, the squad's main training base, another Academy member Phillip Robinson, set a lifetime best finishing second to Okunola in 23.01s. It was a fine run, although he had earned a dressing down from Powell's number two, Johnathan Regis, for turning up just 20 mites before his 100m event!
Back in the USA, Julian Thomas grabbed the headlines at last weekend's Lake Brantley High School meet. Competing in the Florida Gliders Spring Classic, in Altamonte Springs, he clocked a healthy 21.29s to finish second to fellow Brit Dannish Walker-Khan.
All the Trackspeed1 UK performances of the season so far, in the UK and the USA, are updated on the squad rankings lists, the link for which is on the home page.
The 15-year-old, who joined the new Academy earlier this year, opened his 2013 account with two blistering sprints that will already feature among the fastest in his age group in the UK.
The first race of the day was a heavily wind-assisted 100m, which he completed in a personal best 10.89s ahead of a +3.6m/s gust. However, the later 200m was not similarly affected, and a virtual zero wind reading meant his lifetime best of 22.37s (win reading -0.1m/s) now presents a bit of a decision as to which sprint he focuses on most later in the season.
 |
| Fawwaz Okunola clocked 22.37s for the 200m at Crystal Palace, still aged just 15.
Speaking from the senior squad's pre-season training base in Florida, USA, Fawwaz's cash John Powell was complimentary on his charge's opening effort of the year:
|
"Fawwaz has terrific leg speed and I knew he was going to run fast over 100m, but I wasn't too sure of how much speed endurance we had managed to put into his legs since he joined us.
"His 200m time is excellent, and now he has a few decisions to make ahead of the main championships this year as to which sprint he wants to prioritise."
In the same open meeting at Crystal Palace, the squad's main training base, another Academy member Phillip Robinson, set a lifetime best finishing second to Okunola in 23.01s. It was a fine run, although he had earned a dressing down from Powell's number two, Johnathan Regis, for turning up just 20 mites before his 100m event!
Back in the USA, Julian Thomas grabbed the headlines at last weekend's Lake Brantley High School meet. Competing in the Florida Gliders Spring Classic, in Altamonte Springs, he clocked a healthy 21.29s to finish second to fellow Brit Dannish Walker-Khan.
All the Trackspeed1 UK performances of the season so far, in the UK and the USA, are updated on the squad rankings lists, the link for which is on the home page.
Sunday 7 April 2013
NEW SEASON, NEW LOOK FOR "TRACKSPEED1 UK"
Trackspeed1 officially rebranded to 'Trackspeed1 UK' this year, but now it has had its official stamp of approval with the new kit issue, courtesy of suppliers Adidas.
Former World Junior finalist, Julian Thomas, modelled the kit at Crystal Palace last week, just before he and a number of the squad's top performers travelled out to Florida for their annual pre-season warm weather training camp.
"I'm really pleased with the new look and logo," said coach John Powell, "I think it looks really professional, and is supported well by the three-stripe brand."
Seven athletes have travelled to Florida with coach, and therapists John Allen and Lucy Eggleton.
"Training in the warmth of Southern USA will be a huge relief for everyone," said John. "We have endured the most unrelentingly bitter cold winter at Crystal Palace ever, and you simply can't run at your best in that kind of environment.
"People are in pretty good shape though, and looking forward to giving weeks' hard graft, which will bring them back to the UK ready to take the summer season by the scruff of the neck!"
As pictured below though, there was an additional member of the squad who was equally eager to get running on the track at Clermont! The group are basing themselves at the USA National Training Centre.
Former World Junior finalist, Julian Thomas, modelled the kit at Crystal Palace last week, just before he and a number of the squad's top performers travelled out to Florida for their annual pre-season warm weather training camp.
 |
| Trackspeed1 UK's Julian Thomas gives the new squad brand his sign of approval! |
Seven athletes have travelled to Florida with coach, and therapists John Allen and Lucy Eggleton.
"Training in the warmth of Southern USA will be a huge relief for everyone," said John. "We have endured the most unrelentingly bitter cold winter at Crystal Palace ever, and you simply can't run at your best in that kind of environment.
"People are in pretty good shape though, and looking forward to giving weeks' hard graft, which will bring them back to the UK ready to take the summer season by the scruff of the neck!"
As pictured below though, there was an additional member of the squad who was equally eager to get running on the track at Clermont! The group are basing themselves at the USA National Training Centre.
 |
| Powell junior (Jasmine, 13 months) takes to the track in the US, and it looks like she's already set to get into winning ways! |
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