Manyonga, who appears invincible this season, is looking forward to tomorrow’s competition. He said, “I put my good start to the season down to high intensity training and dedication. After being out for a long time it is good to be back.”
He added, “I have been out for a long time so it is great to be back. I have been training in Germany and I will return there after a week’s break home in South Africa.”
Torneus, who has been training in Florida, said, “I have had an intensive training period in Florida which is much warmer than here so I have been injury free and working hard with a group of top jumpers. It has been interesting learning some new techniques. I have been working on my speed down the runway and over the board.
“It is great to have someone as good as Luvo here in Stockholm as it makes us all feel we can make it. I want to build on my good start in Holland and I am hoping for good weather and big crowds tomorrow.”
South African’s Godfrey Khotso Mokoena and Rushwai Samaai along with Radak Juska of the Czech Republic will be also looking to gain points in the Road to the Final.
De Grasse eyes sub-10
De Grasse eyes sub-10
Canada’s Andre de Grasse arrived in Stockholm for tomorrow’s IAAF qualifying meeting full of confidence after his win in the 100m in Oslo last week. His season’s best 10.01 moves him to 17 points on the Road to the Final.
The Olympic silver medalist, said, “I hope I can get sub-10 tomorrow if the weather is good. I got very close in Oslo and I feel ready.”
On his preparations he added, “I started training later this year so I am still improving as we move towards the World Championships. After the Olympic Games last year I took some time off as I was mentally tired. It was good to relax, see friends, watch movies and reflect on last season. I also enjoyed watching some athletics as it motivates me especially when I see other athletes coming back from injury. It proves it is never over.”
On the pressure of Usain Bolt’s retirement, de Grasse said, “I never say I am the next Usain Bolt. He is unique. There will never be another. He has done so much for our sport. I can only be Andre de Grasse. I do not let the pressure get to me. I try to have fun and then I will do well.
“My most important goal this year is the world championships but I would also like to improve on my PB and break the Canadian record.”
On whether he prefers the 100 or 200m he said, “My 200m is better. I can execute it better more frequently but I want to improve my 100m and be able to run as fast as possible in that event as it is a glamour event!”
De Grasse went top of the 100m qualification standings with his win in Oslo, and a follow-up victory tomorrow would surely guarantee him a place in the Final. For others such as Britain’s Adam Gemili and Netherland’s Churunday Martina, this is a chance to make up ground.
/Carol Austin
17 June, 2017
