13th May 2009

Midweek Speak

 

13 May 2009

Under 23 sprinter James Dasaolu turned heads last weekend with his run of 10.15 (+-0.1) over 100m in a qualification round at the VII Graziano Della Valle competition in Italy.

Competing alongside a wealth of British talent, at the home of the UKA warm weather training camp in Pavia, Dasaolu ran consistently throughout the rounds finishing second in the final with 10.20 (+-0.1) just behind training group partner Harry Aikines Aryeetey who finished in 10.19 (+-0.1).

He said of his new personal best and great start to the season: “I was really pleased with my time but also the A standard for Harry was great. For me to produce that time in a competition was a relief, I have been running like that in training but I want consistency. I want good training sessions and then to compete like that.”

Dasaolu has benefitted from the UKA warm weather training camp and believes spending four weeks there is great preparation for the outdoor season.

“I went for four weeks this year, compared to three weeks in 2008 – it’s better because there’s a lot more time to have a better programme.

“The first week was easy training followed by 120m, 150m and 200m speed work. The 120m training helped me a lot because it makes you get up quicker and sustain top end speed in 100m races. I knew I was in shape in training but it was all about keeping that shape in races.

“Speed work is really important, it helped me because I competed this weekend two days after some intense training and the speed was still in my legs.”

Despite having only been in the sport for three years the Croydon Harrier trains with one of Britain’s top sprint and relay coaches Michael Khmel at Loughborough University alongside some of the country’s top athletes including Harry Aikines Aryeetey, Leon Baptise and Tim Abeyu.

“Training is a lot of fun but of course we all know stuff has to get done aswell. We were all working towards the same races at the weekend and we knew we would be competing against each other after the four week training block.

“Being in Pavia really focussed and helped me but everything I do is all down to Mike (Khmel). He’s a great coach with a fantastic technical eye and had the faith in me to coach me.”

He landed back in the UK on Monday 11th May with a long outdoor season spread out in front of him but unlike previous seasons he has a 10.15 run under his belt ready to use in his quest for a place at the European U23 Championships in Lituania.

“I want to stay consistent this season. My aim is the U23’s but I want to keep running around the World Championships A standard time. The World Championships is always there in the back of your mind, it would be brilliant to get a place in Berlin.”