REBECCA SIGNS FOR TS1 UK

Physiotherapist Rebecca Webber has pledged her ongoing support for Trackspeed1 UK after a month of working with squad members at their pre-season training camp in Florida, USA.

Rebecca, who has by the admission of head coach John Powell, been "worth her weight in gold" over the last few weeks, has agreed to provide physio' support trackside at training back at Crystal Palace.

Rebecca reflects on the squad's Florida camp with
Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach, John Powell

"I have so enjoyed working with Trackspeed1 athletes," she said, "they are a great bunch and I have learned a lot from them  as they - I hope - might have learned a thing or two from me.

"I see it as unfinished business in making sure these athletes get as much support as practicable in pursuing their dreams, and if I can contribute then that's great."

John Powell, along with all the athletes in Florida were delighted: "We have had some first class therapists on this annual trip," he said, "and Rebecca is right up there with the best.  I'm so pleased she feels able to continue the invaluable support she has given us in the States back home."

KIERAN'S BACK WITH A BANG!

Trackspeed1 UK sprinter Kieran Daly - sidelined since 2012 with injury - bounced back with two scintillating performances on Saturday (19th) in Gainesville, Florida.

Daly - who is still eligible for the June national under-23 UK Championships this year - ran the fastest 200 metres of his life clocking 21.59s, although there is clearly far more to come as the summer season gets under way.

His previous best of 21.69s was overshadowed by a confident performance that was just 90 minutes after he had run the second fastest 100 metres of his life in 10.60s.  The latter was after a poor reaction out of the blocks, but a healthy pick-up, so again this mark looks destined to improve later in 2014.

The conditions were quite reasonable at the James G. Pressly Stadium for the Tom Jones Memorial meet - a contrast on previous years where storms or cold have blighted another wise top class meet.

A delighted coach, John Powell, commented: "We have known for a while Kieran is in great shape, but to open up like this when winter training has barely turned into pre-season is a great indicator of what there is to come."

Kieran was not the only TS1 athlete in good form on day one of the 2014 season.  Nearer home, Calvin Kirstein ran a fastest ever 23.1 in cold and windy conditions, while Matt Threadgold impressed after only a few weeks back on the track after lengthy absence, with a 10.9s 100m, 22.3 200m, and 50.5 4 x 400m relay split time.

Jason Hussain - another athlete returning to the track after a year out - opened up with a Southern League 100m in 11.1 ands 200m in 22.3.  "Jason messaged me in the States," said John Powell, "and he was quite disappointed, but I gather the conditions were freezing cold with a headwind, so for an opening effort in mid-April my view was that you take that and hope for better conditions next time out.

Back across the Atlantic, other TS1 athletes in action included Nathan Gilbert.  His 10.85s 100m was an unspectacular performance, but given that the athlete was suffering sciatic nerve pain half way down the straight, and will possibly need back surgery at the end of the season, it was actually a very good effort.  James Kasirye-Sebalu completed his 100m in 11.31s, and Josh Swaray the 200m in 22.35s

FLORIDA HOSTS PROGRESS TOWARD SUMMER

Trackspeed1 UK are split up this Spring due to lack of funds for many of their athletes, but for those who did make it over to pre-season training in Florida, the sunshine state is providing them with the stage for another great build-up to summer (see photo's below).

TS1UK head coach John Powell is leading the programme, based at the USA National Triathlon Training Center, in Clermont, near Orlando.  He was disappointed that so few were able to make it tis year, but enthused by the progress made by those that were.

"It's not always about training hard on a trip like this.  It offers the opportunity for athletes to think about their bodies 24/7 without external pressures, and that in itself is a huge advantage pre-season," he said, "and everyone here has progressed well to date.

"That said of course, we want to optimise performance, and there are some very promising signs from the guys out here already, and we are barely half way into the trip.

"It's a great pity we had to leave so many back in London though.  there simply isn't the funding in sport these days for up and coming athletes until they really hit the national radar, and of course that is a catch-22 situation.  They can't hit the national radar because they need that extra boost to do so, but they can't afford it, and so don't get support!"

Nathan Gilbert joins the party as a late-comer tonight (Sunday 6th), and Kieran Daly travels at the end of the coming week.  Both athletes have shown significant improvements in form in training at Crystal Palace of late, and will be looking to polish up fitness levels and sprint performance in the Florida sun.

Meanwhile, the likes of Italian junior Fred' Afrifa, English Schools Champion Fawwaz Okunola, and experienced senior Jason Hussain, among others, remain in London under the tutelage of TS1UK assistant coach Johnathan Regis.

Josh Swaray leaves the blocks in Florida almost synchronised with
training partner Elijah Winn (obscured), as John Powell looks on 

John Powell discusses a training session with
England international Josh Swaray

Elijah Winn takes advantage of some expert
physiotherapy from squad therapist Rebecca Webber

Ugandan international James Kasirye-Sebalu and coach
John Powell share a lighter moment during training