POWELL TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell will carry the Olympic Torch

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell rounded off an amazing week last week as he learned that he had been provisionally awarded  a leg in the Olympic Torch Relay.

John was one of the first 29 people to be notified of what will be a huge honour - to become one of the 8000 people in the UK to see the Olympic Flame safely around its journey to the Olympic Park.

John's leg will be on Monday 23rd July somewhere between Lewisham and Wandsworth, South London.  Talkiong about his nomination at the weekend, John confessd to have been nkocked for six when he received the email:

"I couldn't believe it," he said, "I knew I had been short-listed, but the odds were given as something like one in 16, so I had actually forgotten about the whole thing.  When I got the email I had to read it twice to actually take it in.

"It's amazing - to be part of something so massive as the London Olympics as a Torch Bearer is something for the family album, the grand-kids, you name it.  It will be an experience I will never forget, I am sure."

Croydon Physiotherapist Tim Allardyce nominated John in the first place - unbeknown to the 53-year-old sprits coach - citing John's suport for athletes over the years, set against the background of his full-time career as a senior London cop, and potential fatal illness some 20 years ago.  Tim said:

"I nominated John for dedicating his life into developing some of the top sprinters in the UK.  He gives an enormous amount of time to these London-based athletes, and this gives them huge opportunities to succeed in life, let alone on the track."

"Tim is a first class physio' who has been helping my athletes ever since he set up in business in Addington," said John, "and I'm not just saying that because of all this.  He has rehabilitated many injuries over the years, and even part-sponsored European Junior 200m Champion David Bolarinwa last year".

Visit Tim's website at www.croydonphysio.co.uk

JOHN POWELL GAINS FIRST EVER ATHLETICS AWARD

John Powell received his 'Services to Coaching award at London's
City Hall last night (8th December) from Tony Shiret

Trackspeed1 coach John Powell may have been coaching since the age of 17, some 35 years ago, but offficial recognition of his commitment to the sport he has served for over 3 decades has, incredibly, evaded him - until now.

In City Hall, London, last night, John picked up the 2011 'Services to Coaching' award presented by England Athletics / London Region, for his outstanding achievements during 2011 and before.

The ceremony, held in the iconic venue overlooking Tower Bridge, acknowledged John's exceptional contribution to literally hundreds of young and senior sportsmen and women across well over three decades.

The award was presented by Tony Shiret, of England Athletics, after a long citation was read detailing John's commitment to the sport, but most importantly the athletes he has coached.  

Organising trips abroad, coordinating multi-event training schedules, networking with coaches all over the world, his lasting links at Harvard University, and a cast list the length of your arm in terms of the athletes he has coached, all combined to support the award.  And of course 2011 itself had been one of his group's most successful to date.

The nomination had been made by Trackspeed1 quarter miler Matt Threadgold, currently studying at Loughborough University.  "I was pleased to do it," he said.  "John is a great coach and organiser.  Trips to competitions as well as training and other forays over to the States are organised down to the finest detail, and his coaching skills are underlined with the results he gets from his athletes."

ELLINGTON FOR SALE !

James makes his point - no kit deal, no sponsorship, and yet he's a
world class sprinter!  Why?  Read on...

It's been the talk of today (Weds 7/12/11), and will probably be the talk of tomorrow for some time to come - Trackspeed1's World Championship Sprinter James Ellington is up for sale to the highest bidder!

As the only leading British International sprinter without an endorsement or sponsor, let alone kit contract, he has taken the unique step of putting himself on E-Bay with a reserve price of £30,000.  The idea is that a company wanting to support the 2012 Olympic hopeful, make a bid for a talented sportsman who will display and support their brand.

The whole concept is well documented in the media - and you can have a look at his website as well at www.jamesellington.net, including the national press (see The Sun / Mail sports pages, Metro page 9 today, and probably many more!)

James poses for the national media at Crystal Palace as news of his E-Bay
bidding initiative breaks!

And the initial news is spectacular, as it appears there has been huge interest generated as the 26-year-old south east Londoner tours the media today, ranging from Breakfast TV to TalkSport radio and BBC / ITV / Sky News slots.  He has certainly grasped the imagination of a lot of people!

"This is absolutely brilliant news," commented coach John Powell, who himself took part in the media launch at Crystal Palace yesterday.  "James has got to where he is through simple hard graft and determination, unlike man of his supported rivals, all of whom have kit deals and, in some cases, several other endorsements.

"He has a mortgage to pay like everyone else, and a family to support.  He cannot be expected to fulfil his potential as an Olympic athlete training full time if he has no income.  All he earns at present is a pittance from my Met-Track scheme."

James ended a spectacular 2011 season with lifetime best times in both 100m and 200m sprints, and was the fastest Briton over 200m without the assistance of an altitude venue.  Competing in his first ever World Championships in 2011 lines him up as one of TeamGB's principal hopes for sprint glory in East London next Summer.

James is interviewed by the Daily Mail's Neil Wilson at a very chilly
Crystal Palace yesterday!

James is interviewed by national television

James Ellington - no kit deal and no sponsor - yet!

2012: POWELL'S YEAR?

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."

HARVARD LINKS STILL GOING STRONG

European Junior 200m Champion David Bolarinwa has kicked off his winter in style with excellent progress already, reports Trackspeed1 coach John Powell, and both have now flown to East Coast America for a few days to continue early winter training.

They are based in Boston, where John is further developing his contacts in Harvard University, at the same time availing the five star facilities to David as a brief change from his usual surroundings at Crystal Palace.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for David to see an American University and how they work, as well as enjoy some pretty special facilities,” said John.  “This is going to be a critical development year for David, and he needs to expand his horizons wherever possible.

"We've already had a shock running into former AAA 800m champion Tim Bayley, who is working with his wife at Harvard.  Talk about small world!  They have a great team here, and it's a great opportunity to network with coaches their side of the Atlantic and take new ideas home."

David attacks one of the local challenges in Harvard's football stadium

 David’s first impressions of Boston were very positive, although both athlete and coach were taken a little by surprise by the freezing temperatures and driving rain and eventual sleet and snow on arrival on Saturday:

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me,” said David, “as I have never been anywhere in the States other than warm weather training in Florida.  Boston is a great city, and I’m looking forward to getting around the Harvard complex and seeing as much of one of the best universities in the world as possible.”

David has already kicked off his training at Harvard in style, attacking one of the big local challenges.  The university’s American Football stadium houses some evil steps, and sprinting up these is a challenge failed by many.

Harvard's football stadium steps present a massive challenge to even
the fittest athletes!

 “It was a seriously tough session,” said David.  “I didn’t go all the way round the stadium, but I was on my last legs at the end after three sets of the first eight aisles – that was enough for me!”

David has also been reunited with Harvard staff including Harvard sprints coach Bryan Fetzer, whom he met during international duty in July in Germany.  He is also getting access to the exclusive strength and conditioning facility that is revered as one of the best in the world at Harvard.  


Coach and athlete fly back to the UK on Friday (4^th)

BACK TO THE GRIND!

Trackspeed1 return to full squad training tomorrow (Sunday 9th) and begin their preparation for what is likely to be the most high profile year for track and field in the UK in hstory!

The glory of the World Championships in Korea for James Ellington, the slitz of three medals in the European Juniors for David Bolarinwa, now fade as yesteryear's statistics, as the heat is on for a massive year for athletics.

The business starts with a basic fitness test to see what sort of shape the squad have got themselves into without the guidance of coach John Powell.  Then on Tuesday its back to the basics with conditioning sessions based on grass, astroturf, and the winding hill that hugs the outside boundary of Crystal Palace.

Trackspeed1 coach, John Powell: "2012 is going to be massive...!"

"I don't think people, even in track and field, quite realise just how massive a year it is going to be in 2012," said John Powell.  "It's not just for the likes of James who should be running in the Olympics, and David who should be right up there in the World Junior Championships, in Barcelona - it's everyone!

"Track and field is the high profile sport at an Olympic Games, and the fact it is this time in our own back yard, I believe, will be the source of huge motivation to people, and everyone will want a slice of the action.  If it's managed right - and that is in my opinion still an 'if' - that L-word, 'Legacy', could play a far bigger part than anyone might have imagined."

As usual, there have been changes to the Trackspeed1 landscape since the end of the 2011 summer.  Lawrence Wooldridge has left the group, former squad member Andrew Matthews has come in, and John is now talking to an international class 400/hurdler who is looking to hop in from later this week.

"I'm irritated  that Lawrence chose to leave," commented John, "as he told me before I went away he was staying, and then I get an email out of the blue.  Heaven knows what he is looking for elsewhere, so I just hope he finds the magic wand!

"On the other hand, we are delighted to have Andrew back with us after a spell with Linford Christie.   His PB is still a performance achieved whilst last with us, and it would be terrific to get him back to that sort of form.  And if this other lad comes in to join the 400m group the likes of Omari Carr-Miller, Jason Hussain and others will have a great little squad to push them through the cold months."

On the coaching side, John has the assistance of English Schools 100m bronze medalist Anton Daley as he recovers over coming months from major back surgery, and another ex-athlete is in talks with the squad with a view to both starting up training again as well as joining John in a coaching role.

ELLINGTON HITS THE STREETS!

Tomorrow (Saturday 17^th) sees the return of the unique, Great North City Games, part of the Bupa Great North Run weekend 2011, and Trackspeed1 sprinter James Ellington will be taking on the Americans in a unique event.

Top international athletes from both sides of the Atlantiic go head-to-head on a purpose built track on the streets of Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, and James will contest the 150m for Great Britain.


As in previous years, the Great North CityGames 2011 is a completely free event that offers spectators the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the biggest names in sport and even if you can’t make it to Newcastle all the action will be televised live on BBC 1 from 1:30PM. 



Now in its third year, the CityGames event will play out one of the greatest rivalries in international sport; with the Aviva Great Britain & Northern Ireland team taking on their American counterparts over six disciplines including the pole vault, long jump, track sprints and road races.
Tune in to see James rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in athletics compete for the last time before 2012.


Aviva GB&NI Team

Men

100m - Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Christian Malcolm

110mH - William Sharman, Andy Turner

150m - Marlon Devonish, James Ellington

1 Mile - Andrew Osagie, Bruce Raeside

2 Mile - Mo Farah, Jonny Mellor, Andy Vernon, James Wilkinson

Long Jump -  Ezekiel Ewulo, JJ Jegede

Women

100mH - Ashley Helsby, Sara McGreavy

150m - Anyika Onuora, Abi Oyepitan

1 Mile - Hannah England, Jenny Meadows, Emma Pallant

Pole Vault - Holly Bleasdale, Lucy Bryan

Team USA

Men

100 - Ivory Williams, Jeff Porter

150 - Walter Dix, Maurice Mitchell

1 Mile - Bernard Lagat, Kyle Miller, Donald Cowart

2 Miles - Scott Bauhs, A J Acosta, Brian Olinger, Jeff See 

110h - David Oliver, Jason Richardson

Long Jump - Dwight Phillips, Jeremy Hicks

Women

150 - Carmelita Jeter, Virginia Crawford

100H - Dawn Harper, Danielle Carruthers

PV - April Steiner Bennett, Becky Holliday

James Ellington's final appearance on the circular track ended with a 10.42 (-0.7m/s) 100m outing in the B-race at the IAAF Grand Prix in Zagreb on Tuesday.  

SEASON DONE - ALMOST!

It's been a blast - and that's official!  One of the best seasons ever for Trackspeed1 has seen PB's for every athlete not suffering from injury this summer, culminating in James Ellington's rise to world class in 200m and relay for Great Britain.


James's World Championship campaign may have been brief, but when his achievements of 2011 are seen in the perspective of the bigger picture, boy, what a season!

James had a potentially career-terminating injury in June 2010, and he has confounded even the most optimistic of coaches' predictions this year in not only coming back from that hamstring tear, but rising to the form of his life, with the ultimate reward of a berth i the World Championships in South Korea.

His season is far from finished though.  Al;ready he has contested the Diamond League in Zurich last Thursday, running a blistering leg for Britain's sprint relay team.  James burst out of the blocks on first leg, passing on to a renewed British quartet involving Craig Pickering, Marlon Devonish and Mark Lewis-Francis.  Finishing second behind World Record holders Jamaica was an outstanding performance, and stood in stark contrast to the disaster a few days earlier in Korea (which did not involve James!)

In the 100m James didn't quite hit his drive phase right and clocked a winning 10.40s, but he will have another crack at the individual spring in Zagreb's IAAF Grand Prix this Tuesday.

Meanwhile, James's training colleagues have all hung up their spikes for the season, and are taking a well-deserved rest before recommencing training in October.

"Everyone gets together for session one on October 9th," explained coach John Powell, "but every athlete will need to be doing some preparation training well before that with the possible exception of James, who will need a later rest period."

Another late performer of 2011 was 16-year-old Omari Carr-Miller, whose 48.66s personal best over 400m in the age-group national championships last month was outstanding given his chequered injiury history stretching back two years.

"Omari has immense talent," said John, "and he and I have already met twice to discuss a strategy for the coming year that will hopefully see him get into serious shape for 2012, and keep him free of injury."

Trackspeed1's profile alters slightly each year, and this year sees the welcome return of squad old boy Andrew Matthews.  An athlete who PB'd last time he was in the squad as a junior, and who went to European Junior Championships to, hasn't quite clicked since, and decided to return to his old squad to see if he could rekindle some of the old talent.

Now 25, the time could well be right to peak in a year that could see additional international opportunities for athletes not targeting the Olympics, including the European Championships.

Former British junoior and Under-23 sprinter,
Andrew Matthews, is rejoining Trackspeed1

TWO HUNDREDTHS OF A SECOND AND OUT!

James hits the straight in the heats of the 200m in Daegu

James Ellington's dream of entering the semi-finals of the World Championships crumbled in South Korea today, as the cruelest of margins eliminated him from the 200 metres at heat stage.


Just two hundredths of a second stood between James and an automatic place in the semi-finals, as he took fourth place in his heat in 20.82 seconds.  Only the first three went through as of right.

All the athletes were way below their season's best, partly affected by the swirling wind in the stadium, which can be a 200m sprinter's nightmare.  James's cause was not helped as he stumbled at the start, and his normally electric bend tamed to holding the stagger.

"I'm gutted for him," said coach John Powell afterwards.  "He has worked so hard for this, and to go out when, in another heat, 21.03 went through automatically, it does make it a little hard to swallow.

"He should hold his head high though, and be proud of what he has achieved.  Last year he had a potentially career-terminayting injury, and here he's at the World Championships.  He has done exceptionally well, and now we must move on and focus on the biggest year ever in British Athletics - 2012!!

IT'S GO TIME FOR ELLINGTON: Korea update 1/9/11

The Daegu Stadium, where James Ellington will run 200m

It’s his first major senior games, and they are now just hours away!  Trackspeed1 sprinter James Ellington goes in the World Championship 200 metres, in Daegu, South Korea, at 0310hrs UK time (1110 local).  For the now published draw for the 200m heats, see the end of this blog.

He will learn who he must face, and who stands between him and what would be a sensational achievement in reaching the semi-finals, later today.  The semi’s take place at 11.55am UK (1955 local).

It could be anyone from the more obscure nations to World Record holder Usain Bolt, but James is ready for any of them:

“Obviously I’d rather not have Bolt in my heat, because that’s one of the automatic qualifying places gone,” he said, “but I reckon I’m in good shape and I have every intention of getting into the semi’s, and then we will see.”

Coach John Powell, also in Korea with his athlete, was equally upbeat: “James is in fine shape, but knows he has a real job ahead of him.  But there is no reason why he should not progress beyond the heats, and for someone who has got here with absolutely no support whatsoever in terms of sponsorship or funding, that would be fantastic.

“We’ve talked about the various scenarios, including if Bolt is in his heat, but it really comes down to focussing on his own job, and running the race of his life.  I’ve known James a very long time, and he has been a championship performer in the past, and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t produce the goods here.  It will be tight though - there are 25 entries with faster 2011 best times than James, and only 24 places exist in the semi's!”

James completed his final training session yesterday (Wednesday 31st) and will rest today before he opens his account at what has thus far been a spectacular world championships.  212 nations have combined to thrill a virtually capacity crowd most evenings and a healthy attendance in the morning.  And in true Far East tradition, the event has gone like clockwork.

James Ellington completes his final training session before the 
World Championship 200 metres, in Daegu, South Korea, Friday 0310hrs UK

 “It’s very well organised,” said John, “and has been very entertaining so far – I’m sure the 200m will be equally as enjoyable!  The only real issue now is the heat.  The rainy season has finished and we hit 39 degrees today, so that needs to be managed very carefully.”

It will of course depend on how many heats there are as to what the qualifying conditions are, but if the women’s event was anything to go by today, give heats allowed the first four plus the next fastest four times through to the semi’s.

“That sort of qualification sounds easy,” said John, “but believe me it isn’t – you’ve got the very best in the world here, and some decent athletes fell foul in the heats and will not run again.  It really is fight or flight!“

James will learn on Saturday if he is to be part of the 4 x 100m sprint relay effort in heats or final on Sunday.

“James has established himself as a world class third leg at all the other internationals this year,” said John, “and he has proved time and again he is one of the best bend runners this country has ever seen.  It would be a scandal if he were not selected, but we will have to wait and see.”


Draw now published.  James lane 2 heat 5 (scroll to the right for SB / PB / country)....

Heat 1

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:10

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	530	Roudy Monrose	HAI	20.69	20.69
2	874	Femi Ogunode	QAT	20.30	20.30
3	477	Sebastian Ernst	GER	20.42	20.36
4	985	Sibusiso Matsenjwa	SWZ		21.93
5	1073	Walter Dix	USA	20.02	19.69
6	941	Kim Collins	SKN	20.56	20.20
7	315	Amr Ibrahim Mostafa Seoud	EGY	20.65	20.36
8	968	Marc Schneeberger	SUI	20.52	20.42

Heat 2

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:18

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	157	Michael Mathieu	BAH	20.38	20.38
2	294	Pavel Maslák	CZE	20.66	20.66
3	783	Churandy Martina	NED	20.38	20.08
4	216	Bryan Barnett	CAN	20.54	20.31
5	1009	Emmanuel Callender	TRI	20.67	20.40
6	448	Christian Malcolm	GBR	20.54	20.08
7	588	Usain Bolt	JAM	19.86	19.19

Heat 3

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:26

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	384	Jonathan Åstrand	FIN	20.50	20.50
2	557	Paul Hession	IRL	20.51	20.30
3	165	Khalilur Rahman	BAN	21.34	21.34
4	1110	Darvis Patton	USA	20.25	20.03
5	623	Yuichi Kobayashi	JPN	20.59	20.59
6	943	Brijesh Lawrence	SKN	20.59	20.59
7	801	Jaysuma Saidy Ndure	NOR	20.26	19.89
8	532	Rolando Palacios	HON	20.97	20.40

Heat 4

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:34

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	731	Mosito Lehata	LES	20.93	20.93
2	633	Shinji Takahira	JPN	20.49	20.22
3	969	Alex Wilson	SUI	20.51	20.51
4	886	Lebogang Moeng	RSA	20.58	20.58
5	413	Christophe Lemaitre	FRA	20.21	20.16
6	112	Brendan Christian	ANT	20.60	20.12
7	584	Marvin Anderson	JAM	20.27	20.06
8	938	Leeroy Henriette	SEY	21.70	21.70

Heat 5

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:42

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	1074	Jeremy Dodson	USA	20.33	20.33
2	438	James Ellington	GBR	20.52	20.52
3	585	Nickel Ashmeade	JAM	19.95	19.95
4	564	Calvin Dascent	ISV	20.66	20.66
5	1147	Gabriel Mvumvure	ZIM	20.67	20.67
6	629	Hitoshi Saito	JPN	20.55	20.42
7	204	Sandro Viana	BRA	20.42	20.32

Heat 6

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:50

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	258	Ben Youssef Meité	CIV	20.60	20.37
2	967	Reto Schenkel	SUI	20.51	20.51
3	198	Bruno de Barros	BRA	20.16	20.16
4	1028	Omar Jouma Bilal Al-Salfa	UAE	20.92	20.63
5	813	Alonso Edward	PAN	20.28	19.81
6	217	Jared Connaughton	CAN	20.45	20.34
7	770	Luka Rakic	MNE	21.94	21.94
8	891	Thuso Mpuang	RSA	20.56	20.53

Heat 7

Friday 02 September 2011 - 11:58

Lane	Bib	Athlete	Country	2011	PB
1	191	Nilson Andrè	BRA	20.56	20.41
2	466	Holder da Silva	GBS		21.01
3	360	Marek Niit	EST	20.43	20.43
4	591	Mario Forsythe	JAM	20.29	20.29
5	262	Daniel Grueso	COL	20.83	20.49
6	1015	Rondel Sorrillo	TRI	20.16	20.16
7	283	Michael Herrera	CUB	20.52	20.31
8	851	Arnaldo Abrantes	POR	20.61	20.48