I am not prepared for the new season, has no athlete said ever. But the way they put forth their hopes and aspirations for the new season, especially during an Olympic year, speaks volumes about their readiness and confidence.
Three high jumpers – American Erik Kynard, Canadian Derek Drouin and Briton Robert Grabarz – who are set to open their outdoor season with the Doha Diamond League, sounded very high on confidence.
Grabarz and Kynard had a solid start to their competitive season when they finished second and third respectively at the IAAF Indoor World Championships in Oregon, USA, recently.
Grabarz, who won silver (2.33m) in Oregon on count-back, said he was prepared for the tough challenges ahead.
“I did pretty well at the Indoor Worlds and then took a little break. It helped me become fresh again. I’m now ready to start the outdoor season. I’ll probably do all seven Diamond League meetings this year. It’s spread out quite nicely and it’ll be a great way to gear up for the Rio Olympics,” Grabarz said during an interactive session ahead of the Doha Diamond League.
Kynard, who narrowly lost silver to Grabarz, also appeared ready.
“I hadn’t jumped at too many indoor events in the build up to Oregon, but I feel I put up a solid show there. But I haven’t been fortunate enough to take a break. I’ve been training almost non-stop since then. But I’m ready for the outdoor season,” he said.
Meanwhile Drouin, the reigning outdoor world champion, said he was slowly getting into the competitive spirit.
“I suffered from some injuries which prevented me from competing indoors. I’m excited about being in Doha because this is the first proper competition for me this year. I roughly know at what level I’m at, but it’s still exciting to finally have a go at a competition. I’m slowly getting into the competitive spirit,” the world champion said.
Grabarz, who had a long injury lay-off in 2014 and missed some major events, said he was looking forward to competing in Doha after three years.
“I was badly injured in 2014. Only when you sit out do you truly understand how much you love jumping. That’s all I’m here in Doha to do. I’m returning to the Qatari capital for the first time since 2013. I remember the crowd to be really noisy. I’m looking forward to seeing them again,” he said.
