The Europeans are still fresh in the memories of athletes and athletics fans: Two British athletes ruled the sprints, taking the title in the 100m (Dasaolu), the 200m (Gemili), and the 4x100m (Gemili with “Team GB”). And Gemili delighted the crowd with his powerful 19.98 run in weather conditions, which were less than ideal.
Now, the two are back in Zurich, determined to prove that they are well rested and ready for the new challenge ahead. “I am always fresh, coming into a race. My coach is very good and makes sure I am ready,” Adam Gemili said. They will both have to be, as they will be lining up against very strong opponents, including Tyson Gay (USA) and Asafa Powell (JAM). James Dasaolu is happy to be able to work with a team he can count on: “I joined up with a new coach, Steven Fudge, in 2012. He and the team he has built keep me fit and healthy.”
Dafne Schippers is a very versatile athlete. Until last year, she had been known as a national record holder and a world championship bronze medallist in the heptathlon. In 2014, she vaulted to fame in the sprints. She lowered her lifetime bests to 11.03 (100m) and 22.03 (200m), breaking her national records in the process. And then she went on to top off her season by taking the titles in both sprint events. Her success as a sprinter will not necessarily put an end to her career as a heptathlete, however. “I have done training for all events. And I will compete in Götzis again, next year,” she said. Her next appearance will be at Weltklasse Zürich, however. Schippers just spent a couple of days in Italy to rest. “I was home in the Netherlands for only one day. But I am doing fine.” In her race on Thursday, Schippers will be facing three opponents who have run sub 11 seconds this season.
Sandra Perkovic contributed the throwing highlight to Zürich 2014. Her best attempt (71.08m) not only earned her the gold medal, it also represented the only world leading result of the championships and a new national record. It will be very hard to beat her at Weltklasse Zürich. Her strongest opponent is Dani Samuels, but the Australian’s personal best is currently 67.99m, more than three metres less than Perkovic’s new record. The Croatian star likes competing at Letzigrund Stadium: “ The atmosphere is great, and the circle is perfect for me. I hope it will be sunny tomorrow, and the girls will push me to throw 71m.”
27 August, 2014
