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.
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