DOHA: Jamaica’s latest sprinting sensation Warren Weir, the 200m Olympic bronze and World silver medallist, enjoyed 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 Warren Weir finished 4th in the 100m race, his least favourite discipline between the sprint events, with a time of 10.30 under pretty windy conditions (wind: -1.9 m/s).
Warren had a very interesting chat with his fans where among others he said:
* On his background and life approach: I started training at age 10. My inspiration while growing up was Herb McKinley (he was a Jamaican sprinter who won one gold and three silvers at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics), a great sports man. I first ran the 100m under 11 seconds at age 17. 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
* On his training, technique and healthstyle:
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 15mins in stretching in every training session. My favourite workout when it comes to speed training, is the 200m starts. Love it! Anything over 250m is my least favourite workout. When it comes to weight training I 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. I listen to music before my races to avoid getting nervous. I eat nothing special, just healthy food
* On his achieved and upcoming goals, his current form and Usain Bolt:
I was seeing my race in Kingston yesterday as my first major 100m. I’m still a newbie to the event. I’m not a 100% but fit yet but I’m healthy and looking to get in some fast times. Everybody beside me is a rival. I just looking to a good race in Doha and a wonderful season opener in the 200m. With the right condition who knows what may happen. My aim this year is the Diamond Race but let’s see what coach Mills has planned. I haven’t decided on Glasgow (the 2014 Commonwealth Games) yet. I just think about medals not records or 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. My greatest achievement by far was the London 2012 Olympic bronze medal.
* On dealing with youngsters and his advice:
My advice to young athletes: Stay focus, 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, to the path they pick. Never force a kid to do sports. If he doesn’t, encourage but don’t force.
THE PENINSULA
