TS1 GO STATESIDE

Trackspeed1 emigrated to the United states of America on Sunday - just in time to avoid the cold snap back home!  Based in Orlando, Florida, they are now basking in 90 degrees and near perfect conditions to put final preparations together for summer 2012.

Melvyn Anukam runs into Omardo Anson as TS1 rehearse a few relay
changes ahead of race meets later in the trip.  British Senior
James Ellington, and Ed Harrison look on.

Olympic sprints prospect James Ellington leads the pack with European Junior 200m Champion David Bolarinwa, alongside the likes of former internationals Andrew Matthews and Jason Hussain.  Among the junior athletes are Omardo Anson (18), and youngest of the bunch, Phillip Robinson, just 15 and on the trip of a lifetime.

"Phillip is on a vertical learning curve," laughed coach John Powell.  "He's shaking hands with pain in the gym, whilst looking round in awe at the amazing facilities a US training base provide.  It'll be great experience for him, and he should go home a little fitter into the bargain!"

It's a huge year for many British athletes as track and field will never have a higher profile, and so all are anxious to optimise their return.  The venue is one that TS1 have used for many years, and provides a virtual home from home for the majority.

"We've started off well this week," said John, " but have scratched the idea of competing in Gainsville on Friday/Saturday.  It was a great idea while it lasted, but we aren't quite ready, and I don't want athletes going into their first competition of the year with niggling doubts as to readiness in their heads.  We will be ready instead for 2 weeks' time, and that should see all of us ready to roll!"