SIX OF THE BEST IN LOUGHBOROUGH

Trackspeed1-UK's extraordinary number of lifetime bests so early in the year have seen no fewer than six of the squad accepted to run in the annual Loughborough International meeting tomorrow (Sunday 18th May).

It's quite a few years since the group had so many athletes selected to take part in the opening showcase meet of the UK domestic season, reflective of the depth of talent the group have developed over the past winter months.

"We started with 29 athletes after something of an exodus over the previous 2 years," said coach John Powell, "but I knew full well we wouldn't have close to that number by the end of the winter, and sure enough we are down to about half that now, most of whom have shown well in the early weeks."

Leading the squad's charge up north will be Emmanuel Stephens, whose slightly wind-aided 10.42s 100 metre effort in the United States last month earned him a call-up to the England senior team's 4x100m relay squad for the meet.  He also contests the guest's A-race over 100m.

The meeting will open though with the women's guest A race, where Trackspeed1-UK's Tope Nuga, already in the form of her life, will look to improve her 11.67 100m windy mark also set in the States.

The personal bests set on Wednesday night also saw a late opportunity come Dean Hylton's way with a lane in the men's 100m, while the 200m charge is, not surprisingly, led by squad stalwart, Jason Hussain, who celebrates 10 years under John Powell's tutelage this year.

Jason Hussain (28) runs in the 200m
chasing another early season personal best.

Jason's 21.21s run in Gainesville, Florida, was the 28-year-old's fastest ever over the half-lap sprint, and all the signs this year are that he is capable of significantly faster.  Loughborough will be the first opportunity, especially with a lane 6 B-race draw on the day.

Also going in the 200m will be Oweka Wanogho, who is running faster now than he has in three years, while former Loughborough student Matthew Threadgold will contest the longer 400m event.

"We never aim to peak before the June/July championships," explained John Powell, "but I don't think I've got it totally wrong this year so, going by early performances, and with at least another two very talented athletes to fully recover from injury niggles, this could be a pretty good year if we play our cards right!"