SQUAD 2011 TAKING SHAPE

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell has revealed that the training squad that will carry the group's label into 2011 is finally taking shape after an unprecedented number of requests from new joiners.

Several athletes, many as a result of visiting this site, have expressed interest in training at Crystal Palace this winter, but only a very elite few have been given the nod.

"It's great that people want to join us," said John, "but quite apart from keeping numbers down to a practical level, Trackspeed1's reputation revolves around international athletes or young athletes who have developed to a high standard, many internationally, from novice.

"I always want to keep my feet on the ground with young blood, but I have to respect my senior athletes whose lives revolve around their success or otherwise, and their training environment is of paramount importance.

"This said, we have some outstanding talent joining the squad this winter, and probably now have one of the strongest squads we have had for a while.  The new year could be very exciting indeed."

Joining the likes of Youth Olympic Games double medalist David Bolarinwa, former Olympian Dwayne Grant, and British number four over 100m, James Ellington, will be another English Schools 200m Champion, Edmond Amaning.  Bolarinwa, Grant, and Ellington all won schools titles on their way through the sport.

In addition, Lawrence Wooldridge, a 21.5 / 48.2 200/400m sprinter joins the Palace squad and will be excellent company for the Trackspeed1 seniors.  And then there is the potential dark horse of junior sprinting fo[r 2011, 17-year-old Reyss Albert.  Reyss is in town from native Grenada, but is a British citizen, and has two years as an under-20 to go, with a pb of 10.66s over the 100m sprint.

"Reyss is far from in shape at present," said John, "but if he works hard he could really turn heads next year."

John has also admitted two or three younger athletes to wrap around his younger squad members this year which, he says, "adds a really good balance" to training for this winter.  "I hate saying no to athletes," he went on, "but you've got to be practical.  I just hope the guys we have taken on prove they were worth it!"