ELITE SUPPORT FOR A FLYING START!

As Trackspeed1-UK athletes ease into the second week of their annual pre-season USA training camp in Florida, their elite support staff are already having a massive influence on some outstanding early-trip performances. 

Dr John Allen, arguably the most experienced and senior physiotherapist in athletics in the UK, is again the medical / therapy lead, with this year excellent backup from Mark Stanton MSc, whose qualifications in sports science, strength and conditioning and soft tissue therapy provide athlete support second to none.

Dr John Allen chats with Trackspeed1-UK athletes between training sessions

 Along with Head Coach, John Powell, who celebrates 40 years of qualified coaching in April, he joins Stanton and Allen to combine to form a formidable support team.

"It's not that we've had sack loads of injury issues already," explained John, "but we have a great set-up this year with discussion forums on various aspects of training led by John and Mark, while in-session advice is given by Mark in the gym, with John screening every athlete for any issues they need to be aware of.

"I doubt many squads have such quality, not-to-mention comprehensive support at a pre-season training camp other than the British team themselves.  It's a real privilege to have people like John and Mark on board for a 5-week camp.

"What is also a major contributor too of course, is the excellent facilities offered at the National Training Center in Clermont.  We've been going there for many years now, and it's small wonder that several world class American athletes base themselves there."

John Powell chats with some of the Trackspeed1-UK athletes in Flroida

Oweka Wanogho and Chaka Maillet go head to head in a training rep'
at Clermont as their coach looks on.

Meanwhile on the track early session times suggest most athletes are in shape to move on to some very positive performances this summer.  Their first intended competition is at the Tom Jones Memorial meeting, in Gainesville, on April 22nd.

"The Gainesville meet is far from a big deal for us," John continued, "but it's a great opportunity for people to get an idea of where they're at a few weeks before the season proper kicks in."

The first major meeting for the principle athletes in the squad on home ground will be the annual Loughborough University international on May 22nd.

Oweka Wanogho in action during training in Clermont