Trackspeed1 sprinters continued their pre-season competition programme on Saturday (28th), at the Florida Gliders Spring Classic Meet, at Lake Brantley High School, Orlando.
After a scintillating start to their season a week earlier in Gainsville, coach John Powell was looking forward to some more good performances, but plans were undone by a meeting peppered with long delays amid scorching conditions.
In the 100m athletes were called into the competition zone some 40 minutes before they got to run and, in the case of the 200m, were made to wait on the track over 20 minutes before they got to compete.
"We were very disappointed with this year's meeting," said John after his group's nine hour stay at an arena with next to no shelter from the Florida sun. "We were given a time for the 100m to start with everything else a 'rolling schedule' through five age-groups for each event, but even that ended 40 minutes out.
"The meeting had so many delays it wasn't until after 6pm that our guys got to run the 200m (the 100m was at 11.30), and even then only after the starter went off to get a drink leaving them stranded on the track for upwards of 20 minutes! It's a great meeting for the younger ages, but not for elite athletes."
Despite all, there were still personal bests set by squad members, and those that didn't hit new times, weren't far off.
"The fact that, in these conditions, we hit so many PB's or almost-PB's," said John, "shows just what sort of shape the group are in this year."
Leading the pack was Edmond Amaning who sliced a further two tenths off his best to record 21.57 in the 200m despite easing short of the line. Then Ed Harrison, more accustomed to 400m hurdling, set a lifetime fastest of 21.71s - not bad as he'd already cracked his 100m best some hours earlier with a fine 10.79 sprint!
Omardo Anson clocked 22.41s which was a fraction outside his best, but that was after setting a personal best 100m time earlier of 11.07s. Melvyn Anukam clocked a personal best 11.20s in the 100m, and came close to his 200m best with 22.52s. None of the times had wind speeds either against or following of any significance.
Youngest member of the group, 15-year-old Phillip Robinson also got among the personal bests with a lifetime's fastest 11.35s in the 100m, and a 23.47s 200m which was just outside the best mark he set at Gainesville a week earlier.
"We've got some very tired athletes at the end of this trip after that meeting," said John, "but they have now proved twice that they are in the shape of their lives and, after a few days recovery, will be ready to roll back in the UK."
Trackspeed1 arrive back in the UK on Tuesday morning (1st May)
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Thursday, 26 April 2012
NEXT STOP LAKE BRANTLEY
Trackspeed1 sprinters continue their early season competitive programme with a trip to Lake Brantley High School on Saturday.
Their annual participation in what will be the 20th Florida Gliders Classic will see coach John Powell looking for his troops to continue where they left off at Gainsville a week earlier.
The Central Florida meet saw TS1 men achieve the best opening day ever, and the news from Stateside is that everyone is fighting fit for Saturday, including crocks from last week Melvyn Anukam and Andrew Matthews.
"We're looking forward to it," said John, "and just as long as people manage the inevitable heat there, we should see some more great performances."
Trackspeed1 round off their trip with a final recovery session on Sunday before flying home Monday night.
Their annual participation in what will be the 20th Florida Gliders Classic will see coach John Powell looking for his troops to continue where they left off at Gainsville a week earlier.
The Central Florida meet saw TS1 men achieve the best opening day ever, and the news from Stateside is that everyone is fighting fit for Saturday, including crocks from last week Melvyn Anukam and Andrew Matthews.
"We're looking forward to it," said John, "and just as long as people manage the inevitable heat there, we should see some more great performances."
Trackspeed1 round off their trip with a final recovery session on Sunday before flying home Monday night.
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| Trackspeed1 pose for the camera before another training session in Orlando. Rear L-R: David Bolarinwa, Ed Harrison, James Ellington, Jason Hussain, John Allen (physio'), and front L-R: Edmond Amaning, Omardo Anson, Andrew Matthews, Phillip Robinson, Melvyn Anukam |
Sunday, 22 April 2012
TRACKSPEED1 OPENER THE BEST - EVER!
Trackspeed1 sprinters opened their 2012 account in Gainsville, USA, yesterday (Saturday 21st) and produced the best set of results ever achieved by the squad on the opening day of any summer campaign.
Lifetime best marks went tumbling as John Powell's young stars got off to a flying start at the University of Florida track in Central Florida.
Arguably the best performances of the day came from European Junior Champion David Bolarinwa. He clocked one of his fastest ever 100m times of 10.33s to win his heat ahead of a classy field. But then he went on to the 200m, and immediately found himself lined up against fellow Brit Adam Gemilli.
Gemilli had the final say with a winning personal best 20.70, but David's 20.78 was a huge personal best, achieved as he said afterwards, with still more in the tank. All times at the meeting were wind legal.
These achievements had not come easily. Just as the athletes were getting ready to warm up for the 100m races, the heavens opened, and thunder storms enveloped the nine-lane circuit. The meeting was suspended well over two hours, which meant the athletes were competing deep into the evening.
Olympic hopeful James Ellington was first onto the stage with a fine 10.35s to win his heat - by far and away the fastest he has ever opened a season with, and this year he had started even earlier than usual! In the 200m he clocked 21.04s winning his heat again, and notching another mark that was way ahead of any other season opener in past years.
It had to be the most encouraging start to any season Coach John Powell had ever seen, and he confessed to being a little startled after the dramatic weather conditions that threatened for so long to terminate proceedings completely:
"It was fantastic to see my guys firing so well so early," he said, "I never ever line athletes up to intentionally PB on day one - that would be pure folly. But that is just what some people did, and believe me there is way more to come from everyone yet."
In the other sprints heats, Edmond Amaning at last cast 18 months of injury frustration behind him with a lifetime fastest 10.88s in the 100m, and 21.74s in the 200m, but he was one that John Powell specifically singled out as having far more to come:
"Edmond is a potential dark horse this year," he said, "he is a massive talent, and if he can stay clear of injury he could do very well indeed as a junior."
Omardo Anson equalled his 100m PB with 11.10s in his heat, and improved his 200m mark to 22.34s, while Jason Hussain notched 21.74s in his 200m heat after a 10.97s effort in the 100m.
Youngest squad member, fifteen-year-old Phillip Robinson, opened his track debut with solid 11.44 and 23.45s performances over both sprints - pretty reasonable while competing up to four years out of his age, and a t a meeting where world best times were being set in earlier rounds!
In the 400m hurdles, England Champion Ed Harrison clipped hurdle one, and clattered into hurdle two, but still managed to recover to record his fastest ever opener of 52.70s.
Trackspeed1 continue their pre-season preparations with further training in Orlando this week, and then compete again at the 20th Florida Glider's Spring Classic meeting, at Lake Brantley High School, on Saturday (28th). They return to the UK on May 1st.
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| Trackspeed1's Olympic hopeful James Ellington gets some last minute therapy from 2012 TeamGB physio' , John Allen, who is working with the squad in the States |
Arguably the best performances of the day came from European Junior Champion David Bolarinwa. He clocked one of his fastest ever 100m times of 10.33s to win his heat ahead of a classy field. But then he went on to the 200m, and immediately found himself lined up against fellow Brit Adam Gemilli.
Gemilli had the final say with a winning personal best 20.70, but David's 20.78 was a huge personal best, achieved as he said afterwards, with still more in the tank. All times at the meeting were wind legal.
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| Some of the TS1 squad get ready for the meet in the Gainsville stadium |
Olympic hopeful James Ellington was first onto the stage with a fine 10.35s to win his heat - by far and away the fastest he has ever opened a season with, and this year he had started even earlier than usual! In the 200m he clocked 21.04s winning his heat again, and notching another mark that was way ahead of any other season opener in past years.
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| The Gainsville track is awash as the meet is suspended during storms. The meet restarted but ran deep into the evening, making it a marathon day for the sprinters who had driven up from Orlando for the day! |
"It was fantastic to see my guys firing so well so early," he said, "I never ever line athletes up to intentionally PB on day one - that would be pure folly. But that is just what some people did, and believe me there is way more to come from everyone yet."
In the other sprints heats, Edmond Amaning at last cast 18 months of injury frustration behind him with a lifetime fastest 10.88s in the 100m, and 21.74s in the 200m, but he was one that John Powell specifically singled out as having far more to come:
"Edmond is a potential dark horse this year," he said, "he is a massive talent, and if he can stay clear of injury he could do very well indeed as a junior."
Omardo Anson equalled his 100m PB with 11.10s in his heat, and improved his 200m mark to 22.34s, while Jason Hussain notched 21.74s in his 200m heat after a 10.97s effort in the 100m.
Youngest squad member, fifteen-year-old Phillip Robinson, opened his track debut with solid 11.44 and 23.45s performances over both sprints - pretty reasonable while competing up to four years out of his age, and a t a meeting where world best times were being set in earlier rounds!
In the 400m hurdles, England Champion Ed Harrison clipped hurdle one, and clattered into hurdle two, but still managed to recover to record his fastest ever opener of 52.70s.
Trackspeed1 continue their pre-season preparations with further training in Orlando this week, and then compete again at the 20th Florida Glider's Spring Classic meeting, at Lake Brantley High School, on Saturday (28th). They return to the UK on May 1st.
Friday, 20 April 2012
GO TIME FOR 2012 !
Trackspeed1 at last open their 2012 account tomorrow (Saturday 21st) at the Tom Jones Memorial Meeting, in Gainsville, Florida, USA.
All but one of the athletes currently in the southern state for pre-season training will be in action, mostly in the 100m and 200m events.
World Championship sprinter James Ellington leads the field in both sprints, while European Junior 200m champion David Bolarinwa will be looking to tag on to his coat tails as he has been in training this last week.
England Champion Ed Harrison goes over 400m hurdles, and the whole squad will be supported by coach John Powell, and TeamGB lead physio' John Allen, who has joined the party for the second part of their training camp.
"We are in pretty good shape," confirmed John Powell, "and apart from the normal one or two niggles pre-season, the Gainsville meet should be a positive opener. I'm never looking for PB's first time out - just good, well-executed performances. Our programme doesn't lend itself to early peaks, but comparisons with previous years will be interesting, as one or two guys have shattered training rep' times from 2011."
Trackspeed1 are in the States for another 10 days, with a second warm-up meet in Orlando - the 20th Florida Gliders Spring Classic, at Lake Brantley High School, on Saturday April 28th.
All but one of the athletes currently in the southern state for pre-season training will be in action, mostly in the 100m and 200m events.
World Championship sprinter James Ellington leads the field in both sprints, while European Junior 200m champion David Bolarinwa will be looking to tag on to his coat tails as he has been in training this last week.
England Champion Ed Harrison goes over 400m hurdles, and the whole squad will be supported by coach John Powell, and TeamGB lead physio' John Allen, who has joined the party for the second part of their training camp.
"We are in pretty good shape," confirmed John Powell, "and apart from the normal one or two niggles pre-season, the Gainsville meet should be a positive opener. I'm never looking for PB's first time out - just good, well-executed performances. Our programme doesn't lend itself to early peaks, but comparisons with previous years will be interesting, as one or two guys have shattered training rep' times from 2011."
Trackspeed1 are in the States for another 10 days, with a second warm-up meet in Orlando - the 20th Florida Gliders Spring Classic, at Lake Brantley High School, on Saturday April 28th.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
PREPARING WELL STATESIDE
Trackspeed1 preparations for the summer season are going well - that was the latest bulletin from Florida, USA, where the majority of the squad have emigrated to for pre-seasopn training.
After deciding against competing in Gainsville on 5-6th April, preparations are going well for their fist meeting of the year, also in Gainsville, on Saturday April 21st.
"We've had the usual few niggles here and there," reported coach John Powell, "but all in all everyone is in shape, and I think we can promise a couple of dark horses emerging on the scene this year!"
This wekend sees a break from training with Saturday and Sunday off, but then preparations begin again in earnest on Monday for the final run-in to Gainsville.
After deciding against competing in Gainsville on 5-6th April, preparations are going well for their fist meeting of the year, also in Gainsville, on Saturday April 21st.
"We've had the usual few niggles here and there," reported coach John Powell, "but all in all everyone is in shape, and I think we can promise a couple of dark horses emerging on the scene this year!"
This wekend sees a break from training with Saturday and Sunday off, but then preparations begin again in earnest on Monday for the final run-in to Gainsville.
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| Trackspeed1 in training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex |
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| Squad therapist Greg' Funnell gives a little trackside attention to Jason Hussain |
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| Coach John Powell gives an ESPN media team an interview on his group's experiences Stateside over the past 13 years. |
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| A few TS1 athletes take time out for a happy snap post-training. L-R (back): Phillip Robinson, Ed Harrison, Melvyn Anukam, and front: Omardo Anson, Edmond Amaning, David Bolarinwa, Jason Hussain. |
Thursday, 5 April 2012
TS1 GO STATESIDE
Trackspeed1 emigrated to the United states of America on Sunday - just in time to avoid the cold snap back home! Based in Orlando, Florida, they are now basking in 90 degrees and near perfect conditions to put final preparations together for summer 2012.
Olympic sprints prospect James Ellington leads the pack with European Junior 200m Champion David Bolarinwa, alongside the likes of former internationals Andrew Matthews and Jason Hussain. Among the junior athletes are Omardo Anson (18), and youngest of the bunch, Phillip Robinson, just 15 and on the trip of a lifetime.
"Phillip is on a vertical learning curve," laughed coach John Powell. "He's shaking hands with pain in the gym, whilst looking round in awe at the amazing facilities a US training base provide. It'll be great experience for him, and he should go home a little fitter into the bargain!"
It's a huge year for many British athletes as track and field will never have a higher profile, and so all are anxious to optimise their return. The venue is one that TS1 have used for many years, and provides a virtual home from home for the majority.
"We've started off well this week," said John, " but have scratched the idea of competing in Gainsville on Friday/Saturday. It was a great idea while it lasted, but we aren't quite ready, and I don't want athletes going into their first competition of the year with niggling doubts as to readiness in their heads. We will be ready instead for 2 weeks' time, and that should see all of us ready to roll!"
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| Melvyn Anukam runs into Omardo Anson as TS1 rehearse a few relay changes ahead of race meets later in the trip. British Senior James Ellington, and Ed Harrison look on. |
"Phillip is on a vertical learning curve," laughed coach John Powell. "He's shaking hands with pain in the gym, whilst looking round in awe at the amazing facilities a US training base provide. It'll be great experience for him, and he should go home a little fitter into the bargain!"
It's a huge year for many British athletes as track and field will never have a higher profile, and so all are anxious to optimise their return. The venue is one that TS1 have used for many years, and provides a virtual home from home for the majority.
"We've started off well this week," said John, " but have scratched the idea of competing in Gainsville on Friday/Saturday. It was a great idea while it lasted, but we aren't quite ready, and I don't want athletes going into their first competition of the year with niggling doubts as to readiness in their heads. We will be ready instead for 2 weeks' time, and that should see all of us ready to roll!"
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
LONDON 2012 - A SOUR TASTE SAYS POWELL
It's the pinnacle of any athlete's career, and arguably the ultimate achievement of any coach - competing or coaching an athlete who goes on to compete in an Olympic Games. But for Trackseed1 coach John Powell, the feeling of elation if sprints favourite James Ellington makes it to Stratford this summer could be tinged with bitterness.
The statistics have been around for years as to how many countries, athletes, journalists, tourists, spectators... will converge on London in July, and the work needed to run the biggest show on earth is little short of phenomenal.
But for those who have toiled night and day, invested time, effort, money... blood, sweat, tears, and suffered tidal wave after tidal wave of emotion with the ups and downs of athlete progress, their reward is to watch their charge on the bniggest day of their lives - on TV in their own sitting room!
"Let's be vey clear here," says John. "This is not the fault of UK Athletics, or of the British Olympic Association. It is the way the International Ollympic Committee have always worked. Access for coaches is hugely restricted and always has been - remember Chariots of Fire?
"It doesn't make it any easier though, and because it's always been the case doesn't mean to say it shouldn't change. There are many sports whose coaches are afforded access, and of course UKA will have a full staff to support the athletes TeamGB send for the athletics events, and that support will be outstanding as always.
"But the personal coach? The guy who has worked for years and years with the athlete, ridden the rollercoaster of emotions any sporting career inevitably brings, and ultimately grooms one of the best athletes in a given discipline in the world? Unless he's lucky in the ticket lottery everyone else had to endure (and I wasn't!) it's a packet of crisps on the sofa in front of the TV!
"In my humble view it is a situation that needs complete review. If I had 30 minutes at the warmup track with my athlete, and 10 minutes standing in a corner in the stadium to watch him compete, and a brief hand-shake afterwards, that would be good enough for me. That would be reward enough for everything.
"But all too often personal coaches are treated with contempt by international governing bodies. Look at the World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2 years ago. With Trackspeed1's David Bolarinwa, the fastest guy on the planet at the time for his age, I couldn't even get a pass to coach him at the training track in the days running up to the Games. As for access to the event - forget it. Buy tickets or, in my case, chat up a journalist and sneak in the back door!
"It's not about the athlete being so reliant on their coach that they need me there - it's a respect thing. Without personal coaches sport would be on its back, and yet time and again they are taken for granted and treated with utter contempt.
"I have no doubt that venting my feelings on this blog will change nothing, but if anyone reading it is in a position to mount a challenge to proceedings for future years - feel free to get in touch. It's time for change!"
The statistics have been around for years as to how many countries, athletes, journalists, tourists, spectators... will converge on London in July, and the work needed to run the biggest show on earth is little short of phenomenal.
But for those who have toiled night and day, invested time, effort, money... blood, sweat, tears, and suffered tidal wave after tidal wave of emotion with the ups and downs of athlete progress, their reward is to watch their charge on the bniggest day of their lives - on TV in their own sitting room!
"Let's be vey clear here," says John. "This is not the fault of UK Athletics, or of the British Olympic Association. It is the way the International Ollympic Committee have always worked. Access for coaches is hugely restricted and always has been - remember Chariots of Fire?
"It doesn't make it any easier though, and because it's always been the case doesn't mean to say it shouldn't change. There are many sports whose coaches are afforded access, and of course UKA will have a full staff to support the athletes TeamGB send for the athletics events, and that support will be outstanding as always.
"But the personal coach? The guy who has worked for years and years with the athlete, ridden the rollercoaster of emotions any sporting career inevitably brings, and ultimately grooms one of the best athletes in a given discipline in the world? Unless he's lucky in the ticket lottery everyone else had to endure (and I wasn't!) it's a packet of crisps on the sofa in front of the TV!
"In my humble view it is a situation that needs complete review. If I had 30 minutes at the warmup track with my athlete, and 10 minutes standing in a corner in the stadium to watch him compete, and a brief hand-shake afterwards, that would be good enough for me. That would be reward enough for everything.
"But all too often personal coaches are treated with contempt by international governing bodies. Look at the World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2 years ago. With Trackspeed1's David Bolarinwa, the fastest guy on the planet at the time for his age, I couldn't even get a pass to coach him at the training track in the days running up to the Games. As for access to the event - forget it. Buy tickets or, in my case, chat up a journalist and sneak in the back door!
"It's not about the athlete being so reliant on their coach that they need me there - it's a respect thing. Without personal coaches sport would be on its back, and yet time and again they are taken for granted and treated with utter contempt.
"I have no doubt that venting my feelings on this blog will change nothing, but if anyone reading it is in a position to mount a challenge to proceedings for future years - feel free to get in touch. It's time for change!"
Thursday, 8 March 2012
POWELL'S LITTLE MIRACLE!
Trackspeed1 coach John Powell has already begun celebrating 2012 in a way he never thought would be possible in his wildest dreams!
Baby daughter Jasmine was born on February 20th a healthy 7lb 5oz, and made history the moment she entered the world.
Some 21 years ago John was diagnosed with a cancer that went on to very nearly kill him, and he was told that one of the lasting after effects would be that he would never be able to father children again. But on advice of Doctors for that 'just in case' scenario, he froze some sperm in 1991.
Now married to his second wife, Chanphen, the couple decided in 2011 to cash in on his investment and they had enough money saved for just one round of IVF. To John's astonishment it worked, and nine months later, Jasmine Ellen Powell turned up!
"I'm in LaLa Land," said John. "I simply can't believe it. I look at Jasmine now and have to pinch myself to make sure this is all happening."
John's Cancer nightmare saw him relapse twice and have a pioneering bone marrow transplant back in 1991/2. His brush with death was rescued only by leading doctors at the time, for whose unit John then raised £7000. But the most amazing statistic of all is that Jasmine represents the 'oldest' baby ever born in Britain via IVF, and the third oldest in the world.
By tragic coincience, Trackspeed1 athlete Jason Hussain contractd the same desease as John in 2008, but by then treatments had moved on significantly, and within 20 days of finishing chemotherapy - amazingly - he was back on the track!
Jasmine already has a Trackspeed1 babygrow waiting to be worn, but she hasn't quite grown into it yet according to John. "I had one badged up for a bit of a giggle," he said, "and I'm sure she will be impressed when we put it on her!"
Baby daughter Jasmine was born on February 20th a healthy 7lb 5oz, and made history the moment she entered the world.
Some 21 years ago John was diagnosed with a cancer that went on to very nearly kill him, and he was told that one of the lasting after effects would be that he would never be able to father children again. But on advice of Doctors for that 'just in case' scenario, he froze some sperm in 1991.
Now married to his second wife, Chanphen, the couple decided in 2011 to cash in on his investment and they had enough money saved for just one round of IVF. To John's astonishment it worked, and nine months later, Jasmine Ellen Powell turned up!
"I'm in LaLa Land," said John. "I simply can't believe it. I look at Jasmine now and have to pinch myself to make sure this is all happening."
John's Cancer nightmare saw him relapse twice and have a pioneering bone marrow transplant back in 1991/2. His brush with death was rescued only by leading doctors at the time, for whose unit John then raised £7000. But the most amazing statistic of all is that Jasmine represents the 'oldest' baby ever born in Britain via IVF, and the third oldest in the world.
By tragic coincience, Trackspeed1 athlete Jason Hussain contractd the same desease as John in 2008, but by then treatments had moved on significantly, and within 20 days of finishing chemotherapy - amazingly - he was back on the track!
Jasmine already has a Trackspeed1 babygrow waiting to be worn, but she hasn't quite grown into it yet according to John. "I had one badged up for a bit of a giggle," he said, "and I'm sure she will be impressed when we put it on her!"
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| Proud Dad John Powell with baby Jasmine |
HUSSAIN HONOURED
Trackspeed1 sprinter Jason Hussain was given an early boost to his 2012 summer preparations last weekend when he featured among the highest honours at the annual Crawley Athletic Club's awards for 2011.
Jason, who moved from belgrave Harriers to become Crawley's sprints number one, set thier team alight with his performances last summer, despite an overall season of disappointment for the club as a whole in the British League.
Jason, now 25, and who represented Great Britain as a junior, received the British Athletics League 'Athletes' Athlete of the year' award, and was also presented with the Senior Men's Sports Personality of the Year award.
"I have really enjoyed my time with Crawley so far," said jason after the ceremony. "They are a great club with huge spirit which is what attracted me in the first place. You don't need to be at the very top to enjoy your athletics, be part of a great team, and achieve both peronally and as a group."
Jason flies off with trackspeed1 to the USA on April 1st to the group's annual warm weather training camp, and will return on May 1st hoping that 2012 will be as specila a year for him personally as it is l;ikely to be for the sport of track and field across the UK.
Jason, who moved from belgrave Harriers to become Crawley's sprints number one, set thier team alight with his performances last summer, despite an overall season of disappointment for the club as a whole in the British League.
Jason, now 25, and who represented Great Britain as a junior, received the British Athletics League 'Athletes' Athlete of the year' award, and was also presented with the Senior Men's Sports Personality of the Year award.
"I have really enjoyed my time with Crawley so far," said jason after the ceremony. "They are a great club with huge spirit which is what attracted me in the first place. You don't need to be at the very top to enjoy your athletics, be part of a great team, and achieve both peronally and as a group."
Jason flies off with trackspeed1 to the USA on April 1st to the group's annual warm weather training camp, and will return on May 1st hoping that 2012 will be as specila a year for him personally as it is l;ikely to be for the sport of track and field across the UK.
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| Jason won the London Indoor games 200m last month |
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
2012 a year to remember already!
Trackspeed1 is already billing 2012 as a year to etch into the history books!
Coming soon on this blog - news of coach John Powell's new addition, but who won't be training with the squad for a good few years to come...
...And an athlete being honoured for his achievements during the 2011 season. Full update and details here in the next 48 hours!
Coming soon on this blog - news of coach John Powell's new addition, but who won't be training with the squad for a good few years to come...
...And an athlete being honoured for his achievements during the 2011 season. Full update and details here in the next 48 hours!
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