Jamaica’s William Weir wins the 200m final at Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games in London last year.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Jamaica’s latest sprinting sensation Warren Weir, the 200m Olympic bronze and World silver medallist, had a live chat session with his fans on the IDL Doha 2014 Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dldoha) a few hours after competing at the Kingston invitational meeting in his homeland. Weir finished fourth with a time of 10.30 under pretty windy conditions (-1.9 m/s). Extracts from the chat:
On his background:
I started training at age 10. My inspiration while growing up was Herb McKinley (Jamaican sprinter who won one gold and three silver medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics). I first ran the 100m under 11 seconds at the age of 17.
On his approach to life:
My mother — love her to death — and my country motivate me the most to do my best. I love to make Jamaica proud, love seeing my flag wave high in the 100m race (his least favourite discipline between the sprint events).
On his training, technique and health style:
I start training at around 15:00 and finish at 17:00 or 18:00. I train six times a week, Monday to Saturday. I spend 15 minutes in stretching before every training session. My favourite workout when it comes to speed training is the 200m start. Love it!
Least favourite workout:
Anything over 250m is my least favourite workout. When it comes to weight training I normally have little bit of heavy weight and lighter weights with fast movements. The way to run the 200 is all about technique and it is based on your endurance. Even a 100m runner can run the first part too fast or too slow.
On his race preparations:
I listen to music before my races to avoid getting nervous. I eat nothing special, just healthy food.
On his achieved and upcoming goals:
I was seeing my race in Kingston yesterday as my first major 100m. I’m still a newbie to the event. I’m not 100% fit yet but I’m healthy and looking to get in some fast times. Everybody beside me is a rival. I am looking forward to running a good race in Doha and a wonderful season opener in the 200m. If the conditions are right, who knows what may happen… My aim this year is the Diamond Race but let’s see what my coach Mills has planned.
I haven’t decided on Glasgow (2014 Commonwealth Games) yet. I just think about medals, not records, nor breaking Usain Bolt’s world mark. Running with Usain Bolt in the relay? It feels good because you know that will be a historic run.
On his biggest moment:
My greatest achievement so far is the bronze medal I won in London (Olympics 2012).
On dealing with youngsters:
My advice to young athletes: Stay focused, train hard and be dedicated to your goal and, most of all, have fun. Maybe in the future I will be interested in training youngsters, but certainly not now. Athletes who are pursuing a professional career in track and field should know that it’s not all fun and games. It really takes a lot of dedication, hard work and sacrifice. I will let my kids, when I make a family, take the path they want to pick. Never force a kid to do sports. If he doesn’t want it, try to encourage, but don’t force.
