Monday, 23rd August
This update will be revised in the next 36 hours or so, but will be the final article on this blog (if you want lots of pics, then make friends with the coach on Facebook!!). We very much hope that it will round off with a second Youth Olympic medal for David in the relay.
Many many thanks go to all our readers and for the immense support shown in various ways for David in Singapore. It has been a phenomenal experience with support from all around the globe.
David remains in Singapore until Friday, but coach John Powell heads back west now, after a roller-coaster trip. He will be at the Bishan Stadium for the final relay events before making for his flight home overnight Monday / Tuesday.
Trackspeed1 is truly proud to have David Bolarinwa among its number, and hopes that the new faces to the group this winter will aspire to achieve as he has.
Sunday 22 August 2010
Saturday 21 August 2010
BRONZE MEDAL TO A TROJAN ATHLETE!
Saturday / Sunday 22nd/23rd August
David Bolarinwa remained the world's top-ranked under-18 male sprinter tonight as his Jamaican rival failed to beach his sensational 10.39s mark in London two weeks ago!
David was, however, edged into the bronze medal slot after a far from ideal start in the Youth Olympic Games 100m final, clocking 10.51s, literally thousandths of a second adrift of silver.
"I'm immensely proud of David's achievements here," said coach John Powell, "and I know he will have a sense of frustration it wasn't a different colour medal, but this will have been an absolutely massive developmental experience for him, and he enters junior and senior athletics now far better equipped than pretty much any of his predecessors!
"But it might take a few days for that side of things to sink in, and who can blame him. He was hugely motivated for this race, and told me only minutes before on the phone that he felt great, but at this level if you don't get out of the blocks you are dead in the water.
"David has spent the last two weeks adjusting to an extreme tropical climate, has been thrust into the media limelight on TV worldwide, coped with the hype of being the TeamGB flag-bearer, and has been the target of hoards of reporters and interviewers at every outing. At 16 that is huge, and he can only emerge a better sportsman for it. I have seen him grow in stature daily - he is a credit to TeamGB."
David will be back in the Bishan Stdium Sunday morning to receive his medal, and on Monday night will represent Team Europe in the medley relay where a second medal is up for grabs.
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| Bronze medalist David with coach after this morning's ceremony. |
David was, however, edged into the bronze medal slot after a far from ideal start in the Youth Olympic Games 100m final, clocking 10.51s, literally thousandths of a second adrift of silver.
"I'm immensely proud of David's achievements here," said coach John Powell, "and I know he will have a sense of frustration it wasn't a different colour medal, but this will have been an absolutely massive developmental experience for him, and he enters junior and senior athletics now far better equipped than pretty much any of his predecessors!
"But it might take a few days for that side of things to sink in, and who can blame him. He was hugely motivated for this race, and told me only minutes before on the phone that he felt great, but at this level if you don't get out of the blocks you are dead in the water.
"David has spent the last two weeks adjusting to an extreme tropical climate, has been thrust into the media limelight on TV worldwide, coped with the hype of being the TeamGB flag-bearer, and has been the target of hoards of reporters and interviewers at every outing. At 16 that is huge, and he can only emerge a better sportsman for it. I have seen him grow in stature daily - he is a credit to TeamGB."
David will be back in the Bishan Stdium Sunday morning to receive his medal, and on Monday night will represent Team Europe in the medley relay where a second medal is up for grabs.
Friday 20 August 2010
LINE-UP !
Saturday, 21st August
START LIST
START LIST
Lane PB SB
1 549 EDWARD Mateo PAN 1 MAY 1993 10.78 10.78
2 308 NAIVALU Lepani FIN 30 JAN 1993 10.85 10.92
3 661 MEENAPRA Jirapong THA 11 MAY 1993 10.51 10.51
4 438 NASHIMOTO Masaki JPN 12 DEC 1993 10.64 10.66
5 429 SKEEN Odane JAM 28 AUG 1994 10.46 10.46
6 331 BOLARINWA David GBR 20 OCT 1993 10.39 10.39
7 745 MUTANGA Tinashe Samuel ZIM 27 JAN 1993 10.68 10.68
8 114 WALSH Tahir AN 24 FEB 1994 10.76
Race time - 2110hrs local - 1410hrs UK
GOOD LUCK DAVID - IT"S SHOWTIME !!!!!!
GOING FOR GOLD!
Friday, 20th August
It's being billed across Singapore as the clash of the Titans as David Bolarinwa is due to lock horns with the top teenage sprinting talent on the planet tomorrow night, in the first ever Youth Olympic Games 100 metres final.
David is drawn in lane six, with the strongly fancied Jamaican Odene Skeene right next-door in five!
The race, which takes place at 2110hrs (1410hrs UK) will mark the pinnacle of the Games so far, which are plastered all over Singapore as the event of the century! You can't go down any street, traverse any park, or visit any commercial centre, without being surrounded by Singapore YOG 2010 logo's, banners and posters.
As the first final of its kind ever, the gold medalist will have the added credit to his CV of being the Youth Olympic record holder, and the first ever Youth Olympic Champion in one of the most keenly contested Olympic events.
"It's really exciting," said David's coach, John Powell, "and the thing is both David and I know perfectly well this race is there for the taking. We respect and do not under-estimate the opposition - the Jamaican obviously, nor the Thai or Japanese challenge, but David is more than capable of beating the lot of them on his day."
As with the heats, the Blue Peter cameras will be there to record every second. "I was mic'd up for the heats and expect I will be for the final too, so I have to be really careful what I say," joked John, "but it's going to be really difficult not to get carried away in the heat of the moment!"
Assuming all goes well, David will have a victory ceremony on Sunday morning, but isn't finished there. He runs for Europe on Monday night in the medley relay, completing the first leg of a 100-200-300-400m event.
It's being billed across Singapore as the clash of the Titans as David Bolarinwa is due to lock horns with the top teenage sprinting talent on the planet tomorrow night, in the first ever Youth Olympic Games 100 metres final.
David is drawn in lane six, with the strongly fancied Jamaican Odene Skeene right next-door in five!
The race, which takes place at 2110hrs (1410hrs UK) will mark the pinnacle of the Games so far, which are plastered all over Singapore as the event of the century! You can't go down any street, traverse any park, or visit any commercial centre, without being surrounded by Singapore YOG 2010 logo's, banners and posters.
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| David hopes to replicate his win in Moscow (above) when he struck gold in the European final in May, in Singapore tomorrow. |
"It's really exciting," said David's coach, John Powell, "and the thing is both David and I know perfectly well this race is there for the taking. We respect and do not under-estimate the opposition - the Jamaican obviously, nor the Thai or Japanese challenge, but David is more than capable of beating the lot of them on his day."
As with the heats, the Blue Peter cameras will be there to record every second. "I was mic'd up for the heats and expect I will be for the final too, so I have to be really careful what I say," joked John, "but it's going to be really difficult not to get carried away in the heat of the moment!"
Wednesday 18 August 2010
CALM IN THE STORM !
Thursday, 19th August
Back to the training track today, and a bit of a review on yesterday's event between a very calm athlete and coach, although the weather was far from calm! A violent tropical storm meant that training was suspended for a short while, and interrupted several times by extended torrential showers.
Neither coach nor athlete were too troubled by the local elements though, and the feeling of positivity around Saturday's final continued to grow. Tomorrow will be a rest away from the track, and Saturday will probably see athlete and coach hook up at the training track for half an hour in the morning to chat through the impending evening's activity before it's down to business again some hours later.
David's final on Saturday can be viewed on Singapore TV, or BBC red button in the UK. The 100m final is due off at 2110hrs local time, which is 1410hrs UK.
JOB DONE, GAME ON !
Wednesday, 18th August
The place: Bishan Stadium, Singapore, the time: 1120am local. By around 10.62 seconds later it was 'job done' by Trackspeed1's David Bolarinwa, as he cruised into Saturday evening's 100 metres final of the Youth Olympic Games as the fastest qualifier.
David was a heat winner some four tenths of a second ahead of his nearest rival, hence making it a really tough job, with qualification on times alone! As it happened, Odane Skeen from Jamaica, his closest competitor on paper, was the next fastest just one hundredth of a second slower than him with a winning 10.63s run.
There was so little difference between the two performances it will certainly be 'showtime' when the two meet in Saturday's final. Coach John Powell summed up the morning's action:
"David ran well into a 0.2 headwind, while the Jamaican had a 1.5 headwind, but was pushed all the way by Thailand's Jirapong Meenapra. But you can't underestimate just how tough it is to run solo as David had to, let alone in an event like this, so there really was no difference between the two performances at all.
David's a championship performer though, so Saturday's final represents a mouth-watering clash!"
The other heats didn't produce any other performances of real note, although the Thai athlete ran well, albeit off a 0.096s reaction time which many thought would normally attract disqualification for a false start. So it could end up a real two-horse race, although these events can always produce a surprise on the big stage!
David will be back to the training track tomorrow morning to review his efforts and make any minor adjustments to his approach that he needs to, after which Friday will be a rest day ahead of race day.
The place: Bishan Stadium, Singapore, the time: 1120am local. By around 10.62 seconds later it was 'job done' by Trackspeed1's David Bolarinwa, as he cruised into Saturday evening's 100 metres final of the Youth Olympic Games as the fastest qualifier.
David was a heat winner some four tenths of a second ahead of his nearest rival, hence making it a really tough job, with qualification on times alone! As it happened, Odane Skeen from Jamaica, his closest competitor on paper, was the next fastest just one hundredth of a second slower than him with a winning 10.63s run.
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| David warms up ahead of his heat in Singapore this morning |
"David ran well into a 0.2 headwind, while the Jamaican had a 1.5 headwind, but was pushed all the way by Thailand's Jirapong Meenapra. But you can't underestimate just how tough it is to run solo as David had to, let alone in an event like this, so there really was no difference between the two performances at all.
David's a championship performer though, so Saturday's final represents a mouth-watering clash!"
The other heats didn't produce any other performances of real note, although the Thai athlete ran well, albeit off a 0.096s reaction time which many thought would normally attract disqualification for a false start. So it could end up a real two-horse race, although these events can always produce a surprise on the big stage!
David will be back to the training track tomorrow morning to review his efforts and make any minor adjustments to his approach that he needs to, after which Friday will be a rest day ahead of race day.
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| Coach John Powell and David are all smiles after a successful morning's work at the Bishan Stadium, Singapore |
Tuesday 17 August 2010
MOMENT OF TRUTH...!
No more talking - tomorrow (Wednesday) will see the moment of truth as David completes his heat in the 100m. He has been drawn in lane 4 of heat one, which coach John Powell says could hardly be better.
"Its in the thick of it and it means he sets the pace for the rest, so it's hardly a bad draw," he said.
"Its in the thick of it and it means he sets the pace for the rest, so it's hardly a bad draw," he said.
Sunday 15 August 2010
DAVID BACK TO SCHOOL BUT HE'S THE TEACHER!!
Monday, 16th August
David's last workout before his 100m heat on Wednesday saw him back at school today, but it was he who was teaching the lessons!
David and coach John Powell visited the Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) in Dover Road, Singapore, to take advantage of their excellent training facilities. It was a great sign-off for David before the competition begins in ernest at one of Singapore's most prominent educational establishments.
"We were both really impressed with what ACS had to offer," said John after the session, "it was just a pity that a really heavy rain storm prevented us from training outside. But they have such a huge hall we were able to use that as if it were an indoor track - spikes and all.
"The athlete's village is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get the experience of what a real major Games can be like, and networking opportunities with other athletes from all over the world are priceless. ACS though just provided that window of opportunity to take a few hours out in different surroundings - and promote cultural relations between the school and TeamGB."
Several of the 2900 pupils at the school looked in on the World's number one 100m sprinter under-18 as he trained, and there were a couple of photo-calls afterwards, along with a brief charity lunch.
Later in the day David will visit the world famous Raffles Hotel.
David's last workout before his 100m heat on Wednesday saw him back at school today, but it was he who was teaching the lessons!
David and coach John Powell visited the Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) in Dover Road, Singapore, to take advantage of their excellent training facilities. It was a great sign-off for David before the competition begins in ernest at one of Singapore's most prominent educational establishments.
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| David trains in ACS sports hall this morning |
"The athlete's village is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get the experience of what a real major Games can be like, and networking opportunities with other athletes from all over the world are priceless. ACS though just provided that window of opportunity to take a few hours out in different surroundings - and promote cultural relations between the school and TeamGB."
Several of the 2900 pupils at the school looked in on the World's number one 100m sprinter under-18 as he trained, and there were a couple of photo-calls afterwards, along with a brief charity lunch.
Later in the day David will visit the world famous Raffles Hotel.
MEDIA MANIA FOLLOWS MANIC MORNING!
Sunday 15th August
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| David sets out his blocks at the Bishan Stadium where he will launch his Youth Olympic 100 metres challenge on Wednesday! |
The Jamaican false started at least three times - and by some way too - and struck the onlooking Trackspeed1 coach John Powell as being "obviously very talented, but undisciplined and incredibly rough around the edges". He also pointed out that both Jamaicans had best times taken from the same meeting in March this year, whereas David peaked with a world lead time only last week!
David on the other hand was totally focussed, and got on with his session even when others were trying to predict the gun and being recalled by a nauseating electronic beep.
"David was as focussed as I would expect him to be," said John. He was clearly the best at the track by a country mile in terms of getting on with his session. I think reality is kicking in now, so we'll hide away at a remote track tomorrow for a calm final confidence-boosting session before a rest day on Tuesday. He runs Wednesday morning.
"The only slight worry today was the organisation of the technical side of things. The IAAF representative asked me what I thought of the locally manufactured electronic starting gun, and I confessed I thought it was way too blurred. I think the Singaporeans may have a bit of a wake-up call on the way, because the powers that be were far from impressed, and were calling for actual guns to be brought back. It's not something we'll dwell on though - it's someone else's problem, and David and I will be focussed on only one thing from here on in."
It was confirmed this afternoon that qualification for the unique structure of four finals, will see the fastest 8 times qualify for the main 'A' final on Saturday evening. The next slowest go into a 'B' final, the next 8 into the 'C' race, and slowest 8 into the 'D' event.
Straight after training, David was whisked off to the main press centre in Singapore for a press conference alongside Lord Sebastian Coe, Lord Colin Moynihan, and Olympic Gold medalist Amy Williams.
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| David sits alongside Lord Sebastian Coe at the BOA press conference earlier today. |
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| The Eurosport interview! |
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| Fireworks light up the night sky in Singapore Marina during the opening ceremony last night |
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| Singapore Marina awaits the main event last night |
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| The show rolls on with some spectacular dancing... |
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| 204 nations display their flags at the climax of the ceremony |
Friday 13 August 2010
DAVID TO LEAD TEAMGB IN FRONT OF MILLIONS!
Friday, 13th August
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| David is the toast of TeamGB as he takes charge of the national flag |
David Bolarinwa was awarded the ultimate honour tonight, and was presented with the Union Jack flag by Vancouver Winter Olympics Champion Amy Williams in front of Lord Moynihan, Chair of the British Olympic Association. He will make history in leading the whole of TeamGB out onto the opening ceremony tomorrow night (Saturday 14th).
Millions of TV viewers worldwide, plus a capacity crowd in the Singapore Marina, will witness what is expected to be a spectacular opening ceremony to the first ever Youth Olympic Games. For full details and quotes from David - go to http://www.olympics.org.uk/news.aspx
A visibly shocked young man became the toast of TeamGB before he has even run a step, at a reception held by British High Commissioner in Singapore, HE Paul Madden. He flew a giant-size Union Jack in front of the entire team on the steps of the Singapore mansion with all other 38 members of the team gathered behind him. A TV interview followed, during which an emotional call home was put on speaker as he told his mother what had just happened.
"I think everyone had to swallow hard at that moment," said coach John Powell, "it is a terrific honour, and when David was trying to explain to his mum what had just happened it was a real mix of humour and emotion."
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| David phones home in front of the cameras with BBC Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton egging him on |
David will soak up his first experience of an Olympic atmosphere at the ceremony before he returns to training on Sunday morning to get on with the real business end of the trip.
"We're going to the competition stadium Sunday morning for a blocks sessions under starting officials, so that will be a great opportunity to see what it will be like on Wednesday when the heats go off," said John. Monday we're training at a local school facility, and Tuesday it's chill-out time before we get down to business on Wednesday."
Earlier in the day today David had completed another speedy training session at the village complex training facility, and emerged really upbeat as he had finally shaken off all the after effects of traveling 7600 miles and traversing seven time zones.
"I felt fast today for the first real time since we've been here," he said, "and that makes me feel a whole lot better."
More pictures from the celebrations in Singapore...
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| David received the Union Flag from Vancouver Gold medalist, Amy Williams |
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| Coach John Powell with David after the 16-year-old's big moment! |
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| John Powell with Lord Moynihan after the celebrations |
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| David takes charge of the Flag surrounded by TeamGB |
Thursday 12 August 2010
GETTING FOCUSSED!
Friday, 13th August
Blue Peter cameras home in on David and presenter
Helen Skelton at the Singapore training track
It's a busy time in singapore for Trackspeed1's DavidBolarinwa, who has had his fair share of media interviews, aged just 16, and today it was the turn of the Blue Peter cameras to focus in on the world's number one under-18 100m sprinter in Singapore - but not before the morning training session.
"Today was a far better day," said coach John Powell. "David trained really well this morning, and at last he seems to be getting over the jet lag and disruption to eating and sleeping habits. is cold has gone, and things were far more upbeat today. He looked really good on the track.
"I don't think people back home in the UK have been told just how big this event is. Singapore have been preparing for these Games for 3 years, and the city is at fever pitch now with the opening ceremony tomorrow (Saturday).
"The first ever Youth Olympic torch is doing its rounds on the island, having been carried around five continents, and will be carried by around 2400 bearers along 240 kilometres of road. We have representatives from 205 countries here, there are 18 Olympic venues, and 26 sports, encompassing over 5000 competitors and officials. It's absolutely huge here, and it's attracted over 2000 media representatives all over the world.
"All in all it's a fantastic opportunity for David and many like him to experience a big stage, and go through the whole preparation thing at a major Games a long way from home. After all, in 2016 we hope to be in Rio!"
David, Helen Skelton (Blue Peter) and coach John Powell
This evening David, John, and the rest of TeamGB will attend the British High Commissioner's reception for the team, and tomorrow, although a rest day for David, he will be back at the training track to meet Lord Sebastian Coe, who has now flown out to witness the first ever Youth Olympic Games - the first new Olympic initiative in 80 years!
Above, David's interview with Helen for Blue Peter develops at the main
training venue for the Youth Olympic Games track and field athletes (below)
Wednesday 11 August 2010
HEAT IS ON IN SINGAPORE!
Thursday, 12th August
As David's progress moved a day closer to next Wednesday's 100m first round, today's training session proved a tough workout with the humidity factor and 35-degree heat draining all the athletes at the training track.
"I was melting standing still, so you can imagine what it was like for the athletes. Second night blues had obviously kicked in because there weren't too many happy faces this morning. As bodies adapt though, I know we'll be ready to roll next week. We're going to train a little earlier tomorrow to hopefully avoid the worst of the heat."
David's second workout of the trip was positive in that he had almost completely shaken off the cold that had haunted him since the weekend. Powering out of blocks under the watchful eye of his coach, it was a fruitful but exhausting experience that will see him move one stage closer to getting in tip top shape for next week's competition.
No details have yet been released about qualification conditions for the 100 metres from heat to final, and these probably won't be known until after a technical meeting on Sunday. There are, however, a maximum of 32 competitors in the event, with four finals labelled D,C,B and A, hence guaranteeing every athlete two runs. Which final will of course depend on performances in the opening round.
Tomorrow, David hits the track once more before a well earned rest day on Saturday, with a reception for team and coaches at the British High Commission tomorrow evening.
As David's progress moved a day closer to next Wednesday's 100m first round, today's training session proved a tough workout with the humidity factor and 35-degree heat draining all the athletes at the training track.
David drives out of the blocks at the NTU training track
"The only people who seemed unfazed by the heat were the Kenyan squad running countless laps on the grass inside the track," said coach John Powell. "We knew the climate was going to be challenging, and what will ultimately determine alot of Western European performances next week will be how well - or not - the athletes acclimatise, and adapt their bodies to seven time zones east, and the consequent impact of this on eating and sleeping."I was melting standing still, so you can imagine what it was like for the athletes. Second night blues had obviously kicked in because there weren't too many happy faces this morning. As bodies adapt though, I know we'll be ready to roll next week. We're going to train a little earlier tomorrow to hopefully avoid the worst of the heat."
David's second workout of the trip was positive in that he had almost completely shaken off the cold that had haunted him since the weekend. Powering out of blocks under the watchful eye of his coach, it was a fruitful but exhausting experience that will see him move one stage closer to getting in tip top shape for next week's competition.
No details have yet been released about qualification conditions for the 100 metres from heat to final, and these probably won't be known until after a technical meeting on Sunday. There are, however, a maximum of 32 competitors in the event, with four finals labelled D,C,B and A, hence guaranteeing every athlete two runs. Which final will of course depend on performances in the opening round.
Tomorrow, David hits the track once more before a well earned rest day on Saturday, with a reception for team and coaches at the British High Commission tomorrow evening.
TUNING UP IN THE ORIENT
Wednesday, 11th August
David and coach John Powell hit the track for the first time today after flying the 7600 miles from London in readiness for the first ever World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
His first training session was a fairly tame affair, with the main objective to shake off any lingering effects of the long flight over.
The Youth Olympics are huge in Singapore, and both coach and athlete were greeted at the airport by a frenzy of activity and publicity. The city is shrouded in banners and posters advertising the Games, which Singapore were awarded over fellow finalists Russia by the International Olympic Committee.
"It's a huge deal over here," said John, " and when the opening ceremony goes ahead on Sunday I doubt Singaporeans will be talking about much else!"
David and coach John Powell hit the track for the first time today after flying the 7600 miles from London in readiness for the first ever World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
His first training session was a fairly tame affair, with the main objective to shake off any lingering effects of the long flight over.
David relaxes after his first session in Singapore
"David's looking fine," said John, "although he's caught a cold which doesn't exactly help, but that will be long gone by race day next week, I'm sure. It's all about a bit of revision on the track now - a bit of work on block starts and some rapid turnover stuff to get him to next Wednesday's start line ready to fly!"The Youth Olympics are huge in Singapore, and both coach and athlete were greeted at the airport by a frenzy of activity and publicity. The city is shrouded in banners and posters advertising the Games, which Singapore were awarded over fellow finalists Russia by the International Olympic Committee.
"It's a huge deal over here," said John, " and when the opening ceremony goes ahead on Sunday I doubt Singaporeans will be talking about much else!"
Sunday 8 August 2010
DAVID SIGNS OFF IN THE UK
Sunday, 8th August
Today was the final training session on home soil for David before he flies east for the Youth Olympic Games.
A good session as assessed by coach JP, with blocks and a 150m sprint looking pretty good. It was pretty much perfect conditions with brilliant sunshine at Crystal Palace, with training partner James Ellington continuing his comeback from a serious hamstring injury running at the same time.
"We're pretty much there now", said coach John Powell. "We have sessions planned in Singapore, and the good news is that it seems a venue has been found where I will be able to work with David in person, so that can only be good news. The last few sessions will hopefully see David arrive at the start line on Wednesday 18th in tip-top condition."
Today was the final training session on home soil for David before he flies east for the Youth Olympic Games.
A good session as assessed by coach JP, with blocks and a 150m sprint looking pretty good. It was pretty much perfect conditions with brilliant sunshine at Crystal Palace, with training partner James Ellington continuing his comeback from a serious hamstring injury running at the same time.
"We're pretty much there now", said coach John Powell. "We have sessions planned in Singapore, and the good news is that it seems a venue has been found where I will be able to work with David in person, so that can only be good news. The last few sessions will hopefully see David arrive at the start line on Wednesday 18th in tip-top condition."
Saturday 7 August 2010
CAMERAS FOCUS IN ON DB & JP
Friday, 6th August
BBC's Blue Peter cameras took to the tartan of Crystal Palace on Thursday as David completed his third last training session before boarding the plane to the Far East on Monday.
The children's classic which Trackspeed1 coach John Powell confessed he watched as a child, is filming a documentary on five athletes representing TeamGB in Singapore, of which David is one.
Both David and John were interviewed on the coming Youth Olympic Games (YOG), and David was pictured running out of blocks.
"It's great a programme like Blue Peter is taking an interest in the YOG," said John, "because it shows young people it's never to early to start, and that there are many rewards to be had through taking part in sport whether you win or not."
David's final track session before traveling will be at the Palace on Sunday morning (8th).
BBC's Blue Peter cameras took to the tartan of Crystal Palace on Thursday as David completed his third last training session before boarding the plane to the Far East on Monday.
The children's classic which Trackspeed1 coach John Powell confessed he watched as a child, is filming a documentary on five athletes representing TeamGB in Singapore, of which David is one.
Both David and John were interviewed on the coming Youth Olympic Games (YOG), and David was pictured running out of blocks.
"It's great a programme like Blue Peter is taking an interest in the YOG," said John, "because it shows young people it's never to early to start, and that there are many rewards to be had through taking part in sport whether you win or not."
David's final track session before traveling will be at the Palace on Sunday morning (8th).
Wednesday 4 August 2010
DAVID SOARS TO WORLD LEAD
Thursday, 5th August
David's preparations for Singapore got off to a dream start with his final two races in the UK last night (Wednesday 4th August). Competing at an open sprints meeting at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, his lifetime's fastest 100 metres time of 10.39s took him to the summit of the world under-18 rankings.
In the first of two time trials, David clocked a speedy 10.42s with a wind speed right on the legal limit of 2.0 metres per second. He crossed the line second behind senior international sprinter Mark Findlay, who timed 10.25s. That too was David's fastest ever sprint, but better was to come.
In the second trial of the night, the wind dropped to a mere 0.9m/s following, and David switched into overdrive as he reeled in leader Findlay toward the line, finishing just 0.08s behind in 10.39 - the fastest time in the world this year for an under-18 athlete!
"We wanted to go to Lee Valley and execute a really good race," said coach John Powell, "we weren't too worried about time, but boy oh boy, was that a welcome bonus! It was a huge confidence booster before Singapore - and if you consider that all this was in really quite cold conditions, there is clearly potentially more to come!"
Tonight, David returns to Crystal Palace and his training regime, but will be in front of the cameras as Blue Peter begin their documentary filming that will see cameras follow him throughout his Singapore adventure.
David's preparations for Singapore got off to a dream start with his final two races in the UK last night (Wednesday 4th August). Competing at an open sprints meeting at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, his lifetime's fastest 100 metres time of 10.39s took him to the summit of the world under-18 rankings.
In the first of two time trials, David clocked a speedy 10.42s with a wind speed right on the legal limit of 2.0 metres per second. He crossed the line second behind senior international sprinter Mark Findlay, who timed 10.25s. That too was David's fastest ever sprint, but better was to come.
In the second trial of the night, the wind dropped to a mere 0.9m/s following, and David switched into overdrive as he reeled in leader Findlay toward the line, finishing just 0.08s behind in 10.39 - the fastest time in the world this year for an under-18 athlete!
"We wanted to go to Lee Valley and execute a really good race," said coach John Powell, "we weren't too worried about time, but boy oh boy, was that a welcome bonus! It was a huge confidence booster before Singapore - and if you consider that all this was in really quite cold conditions, there is clearly potentially more to come!"
Tonight, David returns to Crystal Palace and his training regime, but will be in front of the cameras as Blue Peter begin their documentary filming that will see cameras follow him throughout his Singapore adventure.
LIFT OFF IS MONDAY EVENING 9TH AUGUST!
Wednesday 4th August:
Lift off is Monday evening 9th August when both David and coach take off (on separate planes!) for Singapore and the first ever World Youth Olympics. David travels BA with TeamGB, while his coach enjoys the hospitality of Emirates Airlines. Both arrive in the Far East on Tuesday afternoon (local time) and will take the next 24 hours to acclimatise.
David has a strict training regime with comprehensive instructions from his coach. He starts as second fastest in the field for the 100m just one hundredth of a second slower than a Jamaican opponent.
"We are going out to win," said Powell, "but a medal of any description would be amazing. The main frustration for me is the likelihood of not being able to access David even for training during the first week due to event security. It's crazy, but UKA and the BOA have apparently been powerless to help. I'm giving David a mobile for the trip and we'll speak every day. It's going to be a real adventure!"
Lift off is Monday evening 9th August when both David and coach take off (on separate planes!) for Singapore and the first ever World Youth Olympics. David travels BA with TeamGB, while his coach enjoys the hospitality of Emirates Airlines. Both arrive in the Far East on Tuesday afternoon (local time) and will take the next 24 hours to acclimatise.
David has a strict training regime with comprehensive instructions from his coach. He starts as second fastest in the field for the 100m just one hundredth of a second slower than a Jamaican opponent.
"We are going out to win," said Powell, "but a medal of any description would be amazing. The main frustration for me is the likelihood of not being able to access David even for training during the first week due to event security. It's crazy, but UKA and the BOA have apparently been powerless to help. I'm giving David a mobile for the trip and we'll speak every day. It's going to be a real adventure!"
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