30/08/2012
Just days after the London 2012 Olympic Games came to a spectacular close, top track and field stars, including 19 Olympic champions, were back doing what they do best at the annual Athletissima athletics meet in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Our YOG on the Road team seized the opportunity to find out just what makes an Olympian tick and what advice they would give to budding young athletes hoping to compete in the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.
After running a new personal best in the 100m, Olympic silver medallist Yohan Blake (JAM) told us the most important thing is to always “listen to your mum and dad”, while Olympic 100m hurdles runner-up Dawn Harper (USA), who took first place in Lausanne, revealed it is her simple passion for her sport that keeps her focused and keeps her going.
Also flying the flag for Jamaica was the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt. He eased to victory in the 200m and explained there was one thing on his mind now his season was winding down. “It’s a great feeling when you get home, put your bags down and lay down on your bed.” And, after becoming the first man in history to successfully defend an Olympic sprint double (100m and 200m), we think he deserves it.