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!