WARRNAMBOOL Little Athletics Club member Daniel Watson wants to remove the intimidation that city athletes inflict over their country counterparts at major athletics events.
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That’s why he has organised a training day for WLAC members on Sunday, with an aim to install confidence in south-west athletes.
Watson came up with the idea after he noticed athletes from the country were feeling intimated at big events.
“It’s off putting for country kids to see these city kids with coaches and warm up routines. They are then feeling out of their depth before the event has even started,” he said. “We hope they will be able to do their own warm up routines and not feel intimidated by these city kids.
“We want to give our kids a leg up, give them a bit of confidence when they do go to state or regional events, that is all we are after.
“Hopefully they are the ones psyching out the other competitors and feel confident in what they are doing.”
To help him with his endeavour Watson secured the help of 2014 Stawell Gift winner Luke Versace and former New Zealand runner Jeremy Dixon.
“We are very lucky to have them to give up their Sundays to help us out,” Watson said.
“They are really keen to give back. Jeremy has lots of knowledge on an international level and Luke knows the travel distance for country kids and how hard can be. So it will be good to have them down.”
Starting at 9.45am at Brauerander Park, the day will involve athletes being taught proper warm-up techniques, skills and strength and conditioning that they can do at any time or anywhere.
Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
