Collins is more excited than anxious ahead of Doha meet

The 2013 outdoor season will be Kim Collins’ (middle) 19th year on the international circuit.By Sports Reporter/DohaThe 2013 outdoor season will be Kim Collins’ 19th year on the international athletics circuit. For almost two decades, Kim rode a rollercoaster where the happy moments were far more thrilling than the disappointments for the 37-year-old sprinter coming from the tiny islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Collins made his international debut in 1995, competing for his country’s 4x100m relay team at the World Championships in Gothenburg. The quartet from Saint Kitts and Nevis finished 23rd out of 24 teams in a national record time, 40.12, with Collins running on the final bend.  Eight years later Kim was crowned 100m world champion; he won six more global medals (indoors and outdoors), took part in ten World Championships and ran in three Olympic finals. He is now concentrating on his next target — the Moscow World Championships. But Before Moscow, the Doha 2013 Diamond League is calling Kim to commence another sprinting spree. Here’s a quick tete-a-tete with the veteran sprinter…Is this your first time in Doha?Yes, this will be my first time.Did anyone motivate you to follow athletics?Athletics for me was an adventure. But it was amazing as a child watching persons like Dennis Mitchell, Frank Fredericks, Linford Christie and so on. It was difficult to understand what they do while trying to stay as relaxed as possible.Tell us about your journey as a sprinter?It has been a life-changing experience, from the start till now.How come a small country like yours produced such a great athlete like you?I think all countries have champions hidden in them. They have to be found and nurtured.You have seen Carl Lewis, Maurice Green, Usain Bolt and many other great sprinters. Who do you rank higher?Bolt has commanded a lot more attention in the sport. So it would have to be him.Do you feel anxious ahead of your race at the Doha Diamond league?I am not anxious, but more excited.Do you think the heat in Doha could be an advantage?Yes, I heard the weather in Doha is very hot, so I am very excited.  It’s hot every day in the Caribbean where I live and train.Your goal for 2013?My goal is to reset myself as a great sprinter.Will you be competing at the World Championships this year?I am looking forward to the entire 2013 track and field season. If I make it to Moscow, that will be a big plus.Any plans after retiring?I plan to become a coach.“I think all countries have champions hidden in them. They have to be found and nurtured...”Would you like your kids to follow your career?I would like my kids to follow my career but I won’t force them.What is your daily training schedule?Monday to Friday, my alarm goes off at 4:45am to get to training; after training breakfast, then gym then back home.Your daily nutrition?Lots of fruits and vegetables. Also chicken, meats, fish, brown rice, pasta and flour and lots of water.Your advice on how to become a winner?Be honest with your training, and maintain and take care of your body.Which other sports you like?I sometimes like to watch boxing.