So Tokyo's in Florida Now?
“SO, IS TOKYO HAPPENING?”
I swear if I hear one more person tell me the Games are cancelled …
Okay, so first things first, yes. They are still happening and no, not cancelled.
At least currently, the games are not canceled, further postponed or for some bizarre reason, going to be in Florida? (got to be honest I didn’t see that last one coming nor do I think they thought this one through)… PS: There has been no actual indication the Games will be in Florida, don’t worry.
As far as we have been told (from actual named sources, i’m looking at you “the wider media”) the Games are a go. Obviously, this can change, and it’s a bit of a guess what they might look like as far as if crowds will be allowed to spectate. But I, and certainly every athlete that is hopeful of making the team, are treating their training like we will all be lining up to compete come the Games in August/September! So please, ask away with questions about the Games, I'll happily answer them as best I can, but if you do read an article on the Games please make sure there is a reputable source (preferably multiple different explicit ones) before telling me “they are cancelled .”
FOUR WEEKS, SIX RACES
Guess what? Ya boy’s back in Canberra! At my home away from home, the AIS. Just in time too, considering Victoria had just another lockdown a couple of days after I bumbled across the border. I am thrilled to let you know that I will be here for just over 4 weeks to have 6 races, all opportunities at qualifiers. The opportunities will be: ACT State Championships (Feb 13), Coles Summer Super Series (Feb 25), Summer Down Under (3 opportunities, March 6-9), and Canberra Track Classic (March 11). Stay tuned for lots of action!
ACT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Going into ACT State Champs, I had just one thought, “Please don’t rain”. All of my races here in Canberra at the end of 2020 had the same pattern, beautiful weather the day before a race and then a nice, torrential downpour on the day of. So, I was cautiously optimistic that I’d get some sunshine as race day rolled around. I was feeling pretty good but a little unsure on how things were going to go, it tends to take me at least a week to get into the “go fast groove” after the drive up.
On race day, I was very lucky that the weather was beautiful. However, in a cruel twist of fate there was a bit of a delay that left the racers on the line overheating for about 15 minutes before the race. Be careful what you wish for, I guess!
The race was a mixed bag. While my start wasn't as sharp as I had been doing in training, my acceleration felt really smooth. My top speed was a little slower than I would have liked and made me unsure about what my first official 2021 time would be. Oh, it was 17.41s (-0.1 wind) by the way. Not as fast as the athlete in me would have liked, but there are plenty of positives to take out the race and we managed to get some good data to help see where I can make improvements. What is pretty ‘smile-inducing’ is that this makes qualifier #6 for Tokyo! My two A qualifiers and, now, four B qualifiers is by far the most qualifying times I have had going into a Games. I am SO EXCITED for all these upcoming opportunities to be even better.
Click here for all the ACT State Champs Results.
150 vs. 1
This past Saturday, I was lucky enough to be selected to participate in the Coles Community Round to visit the Tuggeranong Tornadoes Little Athletics Association here in the ACT. While I was honored to go hang out with a little athletics club, I was a little intimidated at the ratio: 150 children to 1 Sam. I always get kind of nervous when I do any publicity or speaking, not because I’m uncomfortable or don’t have the knowledge or confidence, but because I want to represent my team, fellow para athletes, my country, and disabled people in general well… no pressure. Regardless of my nerves, hanging out with the kids, starting some races and giving out ribbons was a blast! Thank you to Tuggeranong Tornadoes Little Athletics Association for having me and Coles for encouraging Little Athletics!
COMING UP
Next up on the docket is the Coles Super Summer Series this Thursday! Feel free to check out the results in live time on the Coles Super Summer Series event page! All in all, a fantastic first week in Canberra!