COMMONWEALTH FINALIST JOINS TS1

Trackspeed1 UK received an unexpected boost last week as Commonwealth Games 110m hurdles finalist Alex Al Ameen joined the party.

Alex Al Ameen - British born, but took advantage of his Nigerian
family  links to qualify for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Alex and coach John Powell were already very well known to each other, and in fact share a very long history of connections within track and field spanning 30 years-plus.

"Alex has been a first class coach on my Met-Track scheme," explained John, "and in fact his uncle, Robert Farish, was a hugely talented member of my early Blackheath Harriers youth team sides!

"Seeing his mum, who I knew then in her infancy, and realising that Robert has moved on so far in life (now living in Moscow), is a serious wake-up call to how time flies," he went on, " but, most importantly, Alex is a massive talent, and I'm delighted he has joined the group.  Hopefully we can help him move on to the next level, and progress an already outstanding career."

Al Ameen, from Bromley, Kent, has trained in the past along British hurdles legend Andy Turner among others, sharing various foams into the USA to work alongside world class talents such as David Oliver.

KIERAN DALY LEAVES TRACKSPEED1 UK

Sprinter Kieran Daly, who has improved from 11.1 to 10.1s over 100 metres in his 4-5 years with Trackspeed1, has elected to leave the squad with immediate effect.

The most improved athlete in British sprinting in 2014 imparted his decision to coach John Powell yesterday (22nd) who, whilst unsurprised, expressed disappointment that yet again an athlete with a current steep improvement curve has elected to jump ship.

"It's frustrating," he said, "but at the end of the day we have a fantastic group of athletes this year who believe in the programme and are actively engaging already.  2015 still promises to be an exceptional year, and I'm already thoroughly enjoying getting stuck into winter coaching."

Daly will join coach Jonas Dodoo, based at Lee Valley.   He will be the fourth Trackspeed1 member to transfer to that group over the years, following David Bolarinwa, Set Osho and Tunde Judun, who departed at similar peaks in their careers.

Powell's recent appointment as Chair of the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership has added to an already busy diary this Autumn:

"It's yet another hat to wear," he said, "but I'm happy to because the plans to demolish the stadium at the Palace are potentially disastrous for the sport.  As long as it doesn't impact on my work with the squad, I will do everything I can to work with our partners to achieve a compromise that satisfies everyone's agenda."

ACTION STATIONS FOR PALACE

Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach John Powell has wasted no time in kick-starting the campaign to save the training venue his squad have enjoyed for the past 38 years.

With Crystal Palace National Sports Centre's iconic stadium, along with the indoor track, staring demolition in the face in 2016, he and colleagues have had to act quickly to stand any chance of swaying official opinion away from current proposals.

Today (Thursday 16th) he meets with a representative of the Greater London Authority to whom he hopes to put a strong case to urge reconsideration of current plans, and on Monday (20th) a group he informally refers to at tis stage as the 'Crystal Palace Action Group' (CPAG) will meet to discuss next steps.

"We have to get key stakeholders sitting around the same table to form a solid cohesive approach to all this," he explained.  "It's no good sitting in different corners complaining, because that will not get anything done.

"The key issue at the moment is that the rationale behind the plans for athletics at Crystal Palace is fundamentally flawed.  The consultation that it is claimed has taken place has not - none of the athletics users knew anything about this , and are united as one against all the proposals for athletics.

"I must make it clear though that we do stay real with all this.  We understand the stadium is a huge burden financially and is not itself an essential.  We also accept the need locally for a new school, and see no reason why part of the site should not accommodate one.

"What we do not support is wiping out the indoor track which is crucial to dozens of athletes based there for training, let alone the competitions that still take place attracting hundreds of local sprinters, let alone the loss of an outdoor track too."

John has asked that anyone interested in being involved in the campaign contacts him urgently via trackspeed1@hotmail.com

FURIOUS POWELL SLATES "FACELESS BUREAUCRATS"

As the news of the proposed demolition of the Crystal Palace athletics stadium and indoor track spreads this week, Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach John Powell has slated what he called "faceless bureaucrats" who have come up with "half-baked proposals" with next to no consultation with key stakeholders.

"It would appear that plans are at a pretty advanced stage, and designs have already been drafted  with a view to replacing the athletics facilities at the Palace with a new Primary School," he said.

"I understand there is a display going up as of Monday in the sports centre indicating what the plans are, with two public consultation events later in the week.  That is all very well, but we shouldn't have got anywhere near this stage without proper consultation with the people who work from here, and a check on the reality of how much use the stadium and indoor track actually receives.

"I have spoken to a number of people since this news hit my radar earlier in the week.  John Regis MBE is still the British 200m record holder, and he both trained and competed at Crystal Palace.  He was oblivious to the proposals, and was outraged - horrified - when I told him what the plans are."

Regis runs a highly successful athlete agency "Stellar Athletics" which manages some real sporting legends worldwide.  One of their most recent acquisitions is Crystal Palace-based Kieran Daly (22), coached by John Powell, and who was the most improved British sprinter over 100 metres in 2014.  Daly follows in the footsteps of dozens of international athletes developed within the Trackspeed1 UK stable over many years - based at Crystal Palace.

They have included such household names as Phillips Idowu, Joice Maduaka, James Ellington, Olympians Dwayne Grant, Chris Lambert and Andy Matthews, not to mention outstanding youth talent such as triple European Junior medalist David Bolarinwa, World junior bronze medalist Wade Bennett-Jackson, and a roll of honour a mile long at national and regional level.

John Regis MBE - one of the dozens of household
names from the world of Athletics who have both
trained and competed at the iconic 'spiritual home'
of UK track and field in past years.

                                             
"I have attempted to contact Lord Sebastian Coe too," Powell continued, "surely he will have something to say around the Olympic Legacy issue - as I have already stated on this blog, the impact on South London, where there is a wealth of sporting talent, will be disastrous.

"The GLA apparently ay they have consulted widely on this already.  Well I'm President and Chairman of Belgrave Harriers and we have heard nothing.  And speaking to a representative of the South of England AA whose offices at the Palace stand to be demolished - the news came as a complete shock to them!

"Let us be clear on what these plans imply.  Crystal Palace is the ONLY athletics track in London that has a comprehensive transport hub on its doorstep.  It is the only purpose-built stadium in the Capital bar the Olympic Park, and the only other indoor facilities are at Sutton, Lee Valley, or West London, all of which are served by the minimum of public transport service, and which lie in hugely congested traffic areas.

"The under-use argument is completely flawed.  In truth a lot of people who use Crystal Palace find other ways to access the track because of the ridiculous mission you have to undergo to travel from main reception to the stadium. On occasions I have had to allow an additional half an hour for repeat trips to my car to take equipment to the track such is the distance between the facility and external access.

"I do sympathise with local management to a degree though - I am sure if they had been given the financial backing to invest in and market the athletics side of their business there they probably would have done.  Instead the place has been left to rot.

"I understand there is a small action group being formed at the moment, and I have every intention of playing a prominent part in that - along with any other efforts that can be made to reverse what I regard to be one of the greatest threats to the progress of sport in London and the UK in modern times.  These plans must be stopped."

POWELL FURY OVER PALACE PLANS

Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach John Powell has hit the roof after finding out third hand about proposals that could see the entire athletics facility indoors and out at Crystal Palace demolished!

The proposals, which are open to public consultation next week on 16th and 18th October, will see the indoor track taken out and landscaped outside a new format leisure centre, and houses or schools may occupy the stadium site.

"I am incandescent," raged Powell, "as YET again a consultation process has been set up with absolutely no reference to the users of the centre.  And to make things worse, the opening words in the consultation paper say that the indoor track is poorly used!

"I have been a user of the centre as athlete and coach for 40 years, and I had to hear about this from a journalist.  Apparently the proposals are buried on a local government website.

John Powell - fuming at the proposals.

"It is typical of the way discussions on the future of the Palace have been handled over many years - someone comes up with some ideas, and pays lip service to any meaningful consultation.  Heaven forbid the users of the place should be asked for their views.

"The athletics side of Crystal Palace has been largely ignored by management teams for many years now, which is why it has deteriorated steadily into a dreadful state of repair.  I don't entirely blame them as there has never been the investment or financial will by anyone to stop the rot.  But this news now is a joke.

"They say the facility is under-used.  Really?  Well tell that to my squad of 20+ athletes, Donovan Reid's squad, South London Harriers whose main base it is, and the many other coaches that use it either regularly each week or occasionally.  On a Tuesday evening, for example, the track is packed!

"Crystal Palace is the only athletics facility in London with an indoor facility that is served by more than one bus route.  Lee Valley has one bus route, or you have to drive.  Sutton is the same, and it would take an age by road to either venue for the majority of Crystal Palace users.

"I thought all the current strategic approaches by governing bodies, and in the spirit of Olympic legacy, was to increase participation in athletics and promote sport?  Well you could have fooled me with these proposals, because half of my group will be out of a training venue if these ideas come to fruition.

"I will go to one of the two consultation sessions set up and voice my views, but I note they are set for either a training time or a Saturday when people are either coaching or otherwise engaged.  And I am sure my views will be forgotten seconds after I have voiced them.  Joke!"

Read the "consultation" paper at http://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix6/p1838870106.aspx

ALL SET FOR WINTER WITH A BIGGER AND BETTER SQUAD

The Trackspeed1 UK winter programme has started already with expert mentoring from a physical preparation specialist, and two preliminary get-togethers of a greatly enlarged squad for the coming year.

England Athletics lead for Physical Preparation – one of the best experts in the country, Rob’ Thickpenny – took some TS1 athletes through their paces in the gym at Crystal Palace this week.

“The principle aim was to health-check lifting techniques and give people some idea of where to start – especially the younger or newer members of the group,” explained head coach John Powell. 

Rob' Thickpenny (right) puts some Trackspeed1 UK athletes through their paces in the gym during one of three sessions at Crystal Palace yesterday (24th)

“Rob’ has agreed to mentor me as a coach as well as have input to the group on what is obviously a crucial aspect of any training programme.  With the potential talent we have lined up this next year, I am thrilled that we have been able to recruit this support in addition to trackside physio’ and the other partnerships the group has traditionally enjoyed.”

The majority of the group convened at the Palace on Tuesday (23^rd) for a quick warm-up session and pre-winter briefing, which produced the surprise package for the group in the form of a new number 2 coach to John – former British International Louis Burgess.

Louis used to train with John but was forced out by injury.  Since then he has become a highly successful fitness instructor with his own business, but now wants to get fit again, as well as fulfill the coaching role with his old group.

 

Former British International Louis Burgess joins Trackspeed1 UK
as number 2 to John Powell

“I’m delighted to have Louis join us,” said John, “as with a bigger group this year another pair of hands and eyes will be invaluable, and with Louis’ experience and expertise, the group can only benefit.”

Today (Thursday 25^th) the group undergo fitness assessments at the Palace under the watchful eyes of both coaches, but led by guest coach Kieran O’Doherty.  The idea there is for everyone to get a snapshot of how pre-winter training preparation training is going.   They will be re-tested when the winter programme opens on October 9^th.

TRACKSPEED1 UK - REBORN !

Trackspeed1 UK has a whole new look to it for the coming winter training programme, with Head Coach John Powell overwhelmed with the number of athletes making approaches to share in a slice of success for 2015.

It's not just numbers either - there is a feel of quality about the squad in a depth not seen for a few seasons now, and with a training programme he describes as the most detailed he has ever devised, 2015 could see yet more dark horses emerge from the mist - as Kieran Daly did this summer.

Daly improved from 10.58 to 10.18s over 100 metres this year, catapulting him into the ranks of the UK's fastest 8 men, while most other TS1 athletes set PB's at various levels too.

"I'll never give an outright 'no' to anyone who asks for help or advice," said John, "but there is a limit to the number of athletes we can manage, and we are not far off that limit right now.  There are a few names to add or delete as things stand, and the list won't be fully up-to-date until October, but we have some real talent among us now with 2 or more athletes targeting 100m 10-zero's next year!

A blend of youth, talent, and experience moulded together is what the Trackspeed1 UK
brand will look like this Autumn

"I have drawn a lot of advice from coaches both at home and in the USA this year, and for the first time in around 3-4 years, I'm making some significant changes to our winter programme.  Coupled with trackside physio' advice weekly, an in-house nutritionist, and mentoring on strength and conditioning at the highest level, my view of next year is really positive.  All we need now is for the athletes to do the work!"

John is in the process of slowly recontacting the group, their season having ended relatively early compared with the international calendar this year, but with no representation in the Commonwealth Games or European Championships, it was the ideal opportunity to finish early and start early to optimise preparations for 2015.

"I just know we won't get as far as day one of squad training in October without losing one or two," he said.  "With a group as we have now, I can ensure standards are high, and remain high.  Athletes who insist on not communicating, or doing all the basics that prep' training demands before we begin the training programme as a whole, will very quickly be shown the door - whatever level they're at!"

Trackspeed1 UK has an international reputation for developing world class athletes from developing adolescents, and rarely does a season go by without a new name hitting the headlines.

"The average age of the squad is quite high now, with some real experience to lead the wealth of talent we have under 23, so it's a great mix.  The gender balance has just begun to creep in too, and I always think that is a positive ingredient," added John.

The whole squad met at John's house earlier this month for a talk about the coming winter, and everyone was rely upbeat.  Jason Hussain, the longest serving athlete in the squad now, having been with TS1 for nine years, endorsed the coach's plans:   "Do the work, be professional about it, and you can reap the rewards," he said.

Trackspeed1 UK reform as a group on October 9th, but before that will gather for fitness assessments on September 23rd and 25th.

"TEAM TRACKSPEED1" - EXCITING FUTURE AHEAD

Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach John Powell hosted his entire group of athletes at his Petts Wood home today (Sunday 3rd), including all nine new additions that will comprise the new squad for 2014/15, and it was agreed by all - the new athletic year already promises to be really exciting!

"It was a great opportunity for me to deliver a few key messages and lay out plans for winter," explained John, "and also a chance for everyone to chill out and relax whilst also networking with each other, with the new names getting to know everyone else in the group.  There was also the added bonus of my wife producing half a ton of Thai yellow curry, which went down very well indeed!

"We aren't involved in the Commonwealth Games or European Championships this year, and so the season has ended for most quite early.  From a coaching point of view that's been great, because I've met every athlete individually over the past week, reviewed their season, and agreed objectives for 2015.  I'm a great believer in planning, and you can never start too early.

"We again have a great package on offer for what is an entirely unfunded group.  It ranges from trackside physio' at some training sessions, to partnerships with two leading local practices, a kit deal with Adidas which I dearly hope will continue, not to mention a wealth of experience and advice in the consultants I regularly dip into for views and advice all over the globe as well as in the UK.

"I am looking to work with a mentor from England Athletics on the strength and conditioning side of things, and we even have an agent now overseeing many of our athletes, which could be a massive asset if a few more break through into top level athletics."

'Trackspeed1 UK' at Head Coach John Powell's house today (Sunday 3rd) for an end of season / pre-winter get-together.  All bar 2 athletes attended, including (front right) physiotherapists Lucy Eggleton and Rebecca Webber.

Apart from a few words of wisdom from the coach, also addressing the group was physiotherapist Rebecca Webber, who attended with another TS1 therapist, Lucy Eggleton, who works alongside Dr John Allen.  Jonathan Alexandra had some input on nutrition issues and lifestyle, while the longest serving athlete in the group, Jason Hussain, said:

"We've had a lot of athletes come and go in this group over the years, and their progress has varied, but there is no substitute for doing the work John gives you.  We are in a strong position now with the new faces in the squad to really make an impact next year - ultimately it's down to everyone to take advantage of this opportunity, support each other, and hopefully then PB next year."

"It's barely August, but I'm already looking forward to the winter training phase," said John.  "I'm integrated a few new ideas into our workouts this year which I've taken from other coaches both at home and abroad, and I know the programme we offer this time round as a whole is going to be amazing for those who engage and do the work."

'Trackspeed1 UK' will be travelling to Florida again in March for pre-season training at Clermont as in past years - a five week trip - which John hopes will again put the cherry on the icing on the cake regarding preparation for the outdoor season.

"We have the potential to score a lot of really significant successes next year, and I for one will be doing everything in my power to ensure we deliver against our potential."

TRACKSPEED1 UK HAVE TURNED THE CORNER - POWELL!

As the domestic season approaches its final phase, it really does seem that Crystal Palace-based Trackspeed1 UK have turned the corner with the majority of their athletes setting lifetime bests again this year, not to mention the blooding of Kieran Daly as an international athlete.

The 2012 season was arguably their most successful ever, and 2013 their worst after the group was ravaged by athletes being tempted to pastures new, but in  2014 one of the most successful sprints groups in the country is once more on a roll.

Kieran Daly’s initiation on Friday and Saturday as a member of the British international set-up may not have been pretty in the Glasgow Diamond League (he false started in the 100m and was involved in a disqualification in the relay), but the truth is that he has transformed from 10.58 mediocrity to 10.18 excellence in little more than a month.

"When you have bad days at the office like that, you have two choices," commented head coach John Powell.  "You can go into your shell, sulk, and let it ruin your season - and self-confidence - or you can learn from it, put is behind you, and darn well get on with it.  I know Kieran will have no hesitation with the latter!"

Then take 26-year-old Jason Hussain, whose lifestyle change forced temporary retirement in 2013. He returned this year and is already back to close to his fastest ever 100 and 200 metre times – no mean achievement indeed.

 

Jason Hussain in action last week in the British League, in Peterborough
for his Crawley club.  He won both 100m and 200m events.

Other members of the group including James Kasire-Sebalu, Calvin Kirstein, and Peter Olusakin, have all PB’d at their own levels, but better has surely yet to come with a number of new faces entering the group ready for the next training cycle that John Powell says could see very significant improvement by the majority.

“I’m changing the routine this next year,” he said.  “It’s no secret that my motivation levels plummeted in 2013, but I’ve really got the bug back this last year, and I’m determined my athletes get the best chance to cavort at the highest possible level in 2015.”

There have still been disappointments in 2014 with injury ravaging the summer season for the likes of England International Josh Swaray, Italian Junior squad sprinter Frederick Afrifa, and English Schools international Fawwaz Okunola, but their coach reckons that will make them doubly dedicated and determined for next time round.

“It’s a huge frustration for any athlete to lose a season through injury after all the rigours and pain of winter workouts,” he said, “but we have an excellent mix of talent now, especially with a few new faces, and I do believe this may be one of the strongest groups we’ve had in a while in both depth and individual talent.”

Members of the squad are next in action at the Loughborough European International meeting this Saturday (19^th).

OFFICIAL - DALY JOINS BRITAIN'S ELITE!

Trackspeed1 UK sprinter Kieran Daly may have been a shade disappointed after the weekend's British Athletics Championships in Birmingham, but in fact he has confirmed his arrival among the superstars of British sprinting.

Not for many years have the UK's sprinting stables enjoyed such a depth of talent, and 21-year-old Kieran is now very much part of that new elite team.  Reaching the final of arguably the most keenly contested event in the championships, he confirmed his ranking among the top eight in the country.

The campaign had started on Saturday when the Blackheath and Bromley athlete finished within a whisker of eventual 100 metres winner, Dwain Chambers, in the heats.  Then on Sunday, when the pressure really was on, he qualified for the final with another fine run in the semi.

Eighth place in the blue ribband event was not part of the plan, with ambitions toward the top six in the final, but it was not to be.  This said, as coach John Powell confirmed afterwards, competing on the biggest stage of domestic athletics does not come without its pressures:

"Kieran will hopefully, in time, slowly realise just what he achieved this weekend.  He has climbed out of the obscurity that his pre-season 10.58 second 100 metres time inherited, to line up alongside the likes of Dwain Chambers, and the country's elite speed men.

"That takes a little getting used to, and every single one of those athletes in the final had experienced international championships of one kind or another in the past - except Kieran.  He has a huge amount to learn, but will have gained massively through this experience, and is already better equipped to go onto the next challenge.  There were some very talented athletes who failed to reach the final at all!

"I also hope this shows very clearly to training parters - and any other upcoming young sprinters - just what is needed to cut it at the top level.  I do believe this has made Kieran hungry for more success in the future and, as long as he realises his frailties and is willing to put in the work over coming months, he will be fitter, stronger, and faster next year.

"Those that decide to go with him will share in the success that will surely follow!"

DOUBLE GOLD FOR THE DARK HORSE OF BRITISH SPRINTING

Trackspeed1 UK's Kieran Daly is fast becoming the dark horse of British sprinting, and that claim was underlined at Bedford today (Sunday 22nd) as he claimed his second England national under-23's title in 24 hours.  (Video of yesterday's 100m now above)

Double gold - Kieran Daly is all smiles at Bedford
after securing both England National under-23 sprint titles.

 The 21-year-old Blackheath and Bromley athlete tore another national final field apart with the second-fastest half-lap of his life, to claim a second national title after his sensational 100 metres the day before.

Daly clocked 21.07 seconds ahead of former training partner Edmond Amaning, who could only manage 21.34s in second.  Now his focus will be on recovery over the next few days as he prepares for another huge weekend.  The British Championships and European Championship trials begin on Friday night.

Kieran shakes hands with a delighted coach, John Powell,
after his second England sprint title

"We know Kieran is capable of faster over 200 metres," said coach John Powell after the 200m final, "but there was a fair bit of pressure on him today, and it was the fourth championship race of the weekend.  The adrenalin after his amazing 100 metres yesterday will also have drained some fuel out of the tank.

"It's been a great weekend though, and thoroughly deserved by the athlete.  It's also been quite funny at times, because his 100 metres time was a UK top ten performance up there with the likes of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Richard Kilty and Danny Talbot, and yet most people don't have a clue who he is.  Well they do now!"

Kieran on the rostrum on Saturday after his
sensational 10.18 second 100 metres

Other Trackspeed1 UK athletes in action this weekend included Matthew Threadgold and James Kasire-Sebalu, and they were also in winning form in their club's home Southern League match at Battersea Park.

Matt Threadgold (left) and James Kasire-Sebalu were in winning form
at Battersea Park for Belgrave Harriers on Saturday.

SENSATIONAL DALY JOINS THE ELITE

Trackspeed1 UK sprinter Kieran Daly grabbed the headlines yet again today as he took the England National Championships by storm.  Clocking 10.18 seconds in the under-23 100m metres final he became one of the fastest ten men in the United Kingdom!

Kieran's improvement this year has been phenomenal,  beginning the season with a 10.58 personal best over the distance.  As an athlete who had never even medaled in a major championship in his life before, the last eight days have seen him take both the Southern and National 100m titles, and there could be a lot more to come.

Tomorrow sees the second sprint event at Bedford, when he will contest the under-23 200 metres.  His best pre-2014 for that event was 21.69.  That has already improved to 21.00 this summer, and both he and coach John Powell are convinced he can go a lot faster than that.

"This is Kieran's last year as an under-23 so I totally understand his desire to run the 200m as well tomorrow," said John," but in the normal way I would have advised against it.  He's got the British Championships and European Championship trials next Friday to Sunday, and that will be a real test.  This week's training will be focussed totally on recovery."

Only a week ago at Crystal Palace did Powell forecast that his protégée could run exactly 10.18, and with the wind well within the legal limit at Bedford, that is exactly what he did, but now his coach has altered his prediction:

"Kieran could certainly run 10.15," said John, "if he tidies up his start.  His drive phase is definitely work in progress, but we will both settle for these sorts of performances for now - good start or not!"

Kieran's performance at Bedford now really puts him among the country's elite sprinters, and nobody can say it has been a fluke, as he has proved time and again he is in 10.2 form this year.  The 200m at Bedford tomorrow (Sunday 22nd) will be another spectacle to see for sure!

IT'S GETTING BETTER - AND BETTER - FOR TRACKSPEED! UK !

It's a while since Trackspeed1 UK's arguably best ever year in 2012, but 2014 is shaping up pretty impressively with massive improvements at all levels,

This weekend sees the England Under-20 and under-23 national championships where Kieran Daly could add further medals to his Southern 100m gold last Saturday.  His 100 metres best has shot up this year from 10.58 to 10.28, while his previous 21.69 200 metres best stands now at 21.00!

It's not just Kieran though.  Last year John Powell was debating the value of keeping 23-year-old Calvin Kirstein on in the group with 12.0 second 100 metre times trailing the rest.  He is now a Sussex County bronze medalist, and has taken his PB down to 11.1.

Squad stalwart, Jason Hussain , took a year out last year as he settled into a new career in recruitment, but has shot back this year with a bang.  He has secured times in both sprints not far off his lifetime bests, achieved when he was in full time training!

Trackspeed1 UK athletes (with coach John Powell in the foreground) in the USA pre-season.  Some are firing on all cylinders, some have to cope with summer injuries, but one thing is for sure - 2015 is looking pretty impressive!

The flip side of the coin has seen disappointing injuries prevent athletes like Josh Swaray, Nathan Gilbert, Frederick Afrifa, and English Schools international Fawwaz Okunola from mingling with the country's best this year, but adversity has made each one of these doubly determined to make the most of the late season events, and be absolutely sure to be super-fit for the indoors and summer season of 2015!

"We had athletes ready to really spring a few surprises this year," said coach John Powell, "and of course Kieran has actually done that, but we will have to wait another year for the real impact. Trackspeed1 UK has something of a reputation for developing new talent, and we intend to reinforce that reputation over the next 12 months or so.  The so called 'elite' cold be in for a bit of a shock!

"We already have one new athlete in the form of a huge talent in Oweka Wanagho, and there are at least two others lined up to join in the Autumn.  And let's not forget a potential serious talent in the experienced Lawrence Oboh who has had to again deal with injury this summer.

"Our Academy concept may or may not take off, but if it does that will be the perfect platform toward feeding the main squad in future years, we will see."

The English age-group championships and the British Championships within the next 10 days will define one or two people's seasons, but there is little doubt that Trackspeed1 UK's disastrous 2013 has now turned around full circle to promise some great stuff this year, and a possibly really impressive 2015!

GOLD! KIERAN DALY HITS THE FORM OF HIS LIFE.

Kieran Daly added his name to the highly decorated Trackspeed1 UK Hall of Fame today with a scintillating win in the South of England 100 metre final, on his home track, Crystal Palace.  It was the most spectacular of three lifetime bests by the three competing TS1 sprinters.

The 21-year-old from Downham, South East London, shattered the already hugely impressive 10.37s personal best set last month, with a crowd thrilling 10.28s, aided only by a +1.1m/s tail wind.  It took him to his first major championship medal, let alone title, and lines him up as one of the favourites for the National under-23 title next weekend in Bedford.

To add to coach John Powell's super Saturday, Jason Hussain improved his lifetime best over the 100m to 10.66s in the heats, going on to finish fourth in the final behind Daly in what is without doubt his number two event - the 200m is tomorrow!

Kieran Daly: SEAA 100m Champion 2014

"It really is going rather well at the moment," commented John Powell.  "Kieran caught the crowd's attention from the off today with a terrific heat clocking a wind assisted 10.35 (+2.5), and his semi was great too with 10.30.  I'm delighted for him, and really excited about how his 200m could improve now, because he is showing all the signs of being in great shape for the longer sprint."

Daly certainly left his best until last, although his exit from the blocks was far from great in the final, leaving the expectation that there is yet more to come.  His time leaves him as 11th fastest overall in the United Kingdom, and third fastest under-23 behind the great Adam Gemilli and the now sub-10 man Chijindu Ujah.

Hussain ran highly respectable semi and final times of 10.71 and 10.70s, and his fourth at the close of play also bodes well for his next outing over 200 metres, which will be at the same track tomorrow in the South of England event.  His fastest this season is 21.38, achieved last week.  That was inside the 21.4 qualifying mark for the British Championships in 2 weeks' time, but due to the wind gauge not working at that meeting the time has not been accepted.

"I need to run at least 21.5 or quicker to stand a chance of getting an invite," he said.  "It was really annoying not having a wind reading last week - especially as it was a British league meeting!"

Coach John Powell was less than impressed with the meeting at Crystal Palace today also.  It took officials 45 minutes after the semi-final to announce finalists, giving them 25 minutes to warm up for the final due to a dead heat for the last qualifier. And times were kept secret for a further 15 minutes!

"It was disappointing," he said.  "I don't understand why you can't publish results straight after the event minus any dispute.  In any other country you would know the result seconds after the race has ended with electronic scoreboards.  At Crystal Palace the scoreboard is now a home for the local pigeon fraternity!"

The third best time for Trackspeed1 UK on the day came from James Kasire-Sebalu, who clocked his first ever sub-11 run of 10.93.  He went out of the competition in the semi-finals.

HUSSAIN IS BACK!

Trackspeed1 UK sprinter Jason Hussain completed an impressive return to the track this year with one of his fastest ever 200 metre runs in Saturday's British Athletics League fixture in Peterborough.

Jason Hussain in action at Peterborough on Saturday powers toward
one of his fastest ever 200 metre times.

Despite being faced with an unmeasured headwind, Jason clocked 21.38s to win the A race, which bolted on nicely to a respectable 100 metres earlier, which he also won in 10.91seconds.  His lifetime bests are 21.23 and 10.67s.

It completed a determined comeback by the Crawley AC athlete, whose career change last year prevented him from competing in 2013.  He has clearly wintered well through 2013/14 though, and as his performances steadily improve this summer, one could be forgiven for expecting maybe a little more now with the major championships imminent.

"I was really pleased with my 200m time," he said, "but the 100m was frustrating.  I got the worst possible start and yet still finished in front in a reasonable time.  I'm not renown for my block starts, but this was awful, so I know there is far better to come over the shorter distance."

This weekend Hussain will double up in both sprints events in the South of England championships, at Crystal Palace, and then, after a weekend off, he will now be looking for an invitation to compete in the British Championships and European Championship trials, in Birmingham, on June 27-29.

Coach John Powell, who Jason has been with since 2005, was delighted with Jason's performances.  He said: "Again it is testimony to some hard work and real determination on Jason's part that he has got back to the form he was in a couple of years ago and, dare I say, further endorsement of the value of staying with a coach you know, and who knows you!

"I have every confidence in him to perform at the coming championships.  It's building into a good season for this group of athletes.  Those who have stayed uninjured are all performing, and those who have spent more time on the physio' table than the track of late are learning fast!  Looking at the next 18 months for Trackspeed1 UK, we could be looking at some significant successes!"

DALY TREBLE LEADS TRACKSPEED1 CHARGE!

Trackspeed1 UK sprinter Kieran Daly yet again grabbed the headlines at Bedford on Saturday, as he charged to three wins out of three in the annual Bedford International Games ("BIG").

Of four TS1 athletes he was by far the leading light, but the other three also proved that the squad are well on their way toward hitting form when it matters most this summer.

Daly opened his campaign with a solid 10.49s 100m - the third fastest of his career - despite a horrible start, demolishing classy opposition with a devastating pick-up toward the line.  Then later in the day he achieved another lifetime best mark - but that was also possibly one of the most frustrating performances of his life!

Kieran Daly (yellow top) demolishes a 100m field at Bedford.

In the 200m he charged to victory with a time of 21.00 seconds - tantalisingly close to the so far elusive sub-21-second barrier that so many athletes of his calibre pursue.  The post-mortems afterwards were of course full of "if only's" but it remained his fastest ever, and demonstrated a clear ability to go under the 21 second mark laster this season.

More was to come though in the send round of the 100m, where again he failed to exit the blocks particularly well, but blasted through the field to win in the second-fastest time of his life - 10.40s.  It rounded off an outstanding day's work,  and sets up he 21-year-old student from Downham, South East London, for a tasty month of June that packs in all the major championships of the season.

Also in action was 27-year-old Jason Hussain, whose year out of the sport in 2012/13 has seen him having to work exceptionally hard to regain any sort of form, but his labours were rewarded at Bedford.

Jason Hussain (yellow vest near-side) hits the line in the 200m at bedford.

In the 100m he clocked a season's fastest of 10.88s, but then topped that with his fastest 200m since well back in 2012 clocking 21.58s.  He finished third in the race in a blanket finish, but again this sets him up for further improvement during the June championships.

Matt Threadgold (third from right in claret/gold vest) dives for the line in the Bedford 100m.

Matt Threadgold, who trained with Trackspeed1 some years ago, only returned to training in March, and so he could be excused for having fairly modest expectations for 2014, but he also set a season's best 100m of 10.96s in a well-executed race.

Rounding off the Trackspeed1 charge was Nathan Gilbert, who opened his season's campaign at Bedford after being ravaged with injury issues for weeks.  His 10.90s 100m was disappointing to him, but coach John Powell was of a very different view:

"Nathan has been back training like a juggernaught," he said, " and he's not been far of Kieran's shirt tails, so we know what he's capable of.   He just needs a few races to get back into things and to stay uninjured."

June is a massive month for Trackspeed1 UK.  This weekend is a fairly soft one with most athletes training through, but then come the South of England Championships at Crystal Palace on 14-15th.  After that are the England National under-20 and under-23 Championships in Bedford, and a week later the British championships and European Championship Trials take place in Birmingham.

"Everything is packed into one calendar month this year domestically," explained John, "so unless you are going to the Commonwealth Games or European Championships, this is the month you have to perform in."

Top Trackspeed1 UK sprinter Josh Swaray is unlikely to feature as he faces a possible minor operation on a knee problem, and Fred' Afrifa faces an uphill task to recover from a hamstring injury in time for his target championships of the year.

"We've had a couple of injuries as usual," said John,"but it's still shaping up to be a really positive season for us as we rebuild the group."

The four Trackspeed1 UK sprinters in action at Bedford on Saturday.

Trackspeed1 UK are indebted to Mark Shearman and VincoSport for the photographs used in this blog.