It's been an eventful Autumn for Trackspeed1 coach John Powell already with his career as a Police Superintendent now officially at a close!
Powell, 53 next month, retired from his 30-year career on October 30th to concentrate fully on maximising his squad's potential this next year, as well as prepare for significant developments on the home front.
"The group are going very well in the albeit very early stages of winter," said John, "and the focus and determination in the squad has never been greater.
"It's encouraging, but nobody is getting carried away yet - there is alot of work between us now and the 2012 summer season."
On the personal front, John is working hard at home to prepare for his new arrival due in February. Powell Junior in the form of Jasmine Ellen is due on 18th February, and will add to a year already crammed with action and excitement.
"I still can't quite believe it," he said, "but obviously I'm thrilled. The balance between coaching and being a dad again shouldn't be too much of an issue - my wife and I have discussed that at length. I think the biggest challenge will be going to America for warm weather training again only 6 weeks after she is due to be born.
"I'll miss her big time, but that's the way it's got to be if we are to get the best out of everyone. It's my job now, albeit unpaid, so I want to make 2012 the most amazing year ever for Trackspeed1!"
Potentially it could be a massive year for Trackspeed1. James Ellington is totally focussed on making the British Olympic team, and Jason Hussain is hoping he might make London 2012 wearing the colours of Pakistan, taking advantage of his father's birthplace.
"James is a very determined young man this time round," commented John, "and it will take an awful lot next year to deny him an individual berth in the Olympic Games. Jason is also slowly getting into shape, and if he can get cleared to represent his father's native country, that will be an amazing experience for him."
In addition, European Junior Champion David Bolarinwa will be looking to make an impression at the World Junior Championships, in Barcelona, along with potentially Omari Carr-Miller, while who John describes as one or two "dark horses" could pull a few surprises if early promise turns into summer success!
"The atmosphere amongst the squad is completely different this year, and a huge improvement on 2010-11," said Greg Funnell, one of the squad therapists. "I really do believe the group could perform very well next year - everyone really does seem very determined to achieve their goals."
