Nikki Hamblin is ready to peak at CWG
Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand is ready for the Commonwealth Games. Many other athletes are dropping out of the Games, which start Sunday in Delhi, because of injury, fatigue, or health and safety concerns, but Hamblin is excited to go. She'll be trying to
set a new New Zealand record in the 1500m, maybe the 800m too.
“I am happy, but I still feel like I haven't yet had the best race I can,” said Hamblin.
She’s been competing in choice races, trying to peak in October at the Commonwealth Games. For a southern hemisphere athlete, the issue of peaking at the right time is always a concern. If they try to peak during the European season, they often cannot perform
at their highest level during late season events.
The Commonwealth Games is a good example. Many athletes have already dropped out because of a long and arduous season. They sustain minor injuries that they don’t want to inflame, or they just need the rest in order to prepare for the next season.
Hamblin is looking to take advantage of the situation by peaking as most athletes are looking for little more than rest. That’s not to say she needs the advantage to win.
“I feel my racing this year has never got going and that's mainly because we've tried to peak in October, which is really late, so basically we were doing three weeks' racing, three weeks' training,” she said. “I was getting to the third race, feeling OK,
and wanting to race again.”
This year has been her best year ever as she set personal bests in both the 1500m and the 800m. She also set the New Zealand record in the 1500m with a run of four minutes, 05.93 seconds. She also broke the two minute barrier in the 800m for the first time
with a run of one minute, 59.66 at the Continental Cup.
Even though she has already had an accomplished season, she feels the best us yet to come.
“I definitely think there is more there than 4.05,” said Hamblin. “I don't know what's going to happen in Delhi. The conditions may mean it is not a quick race, and I may still end the year with a personal best of 4.05, but it is good to know that from my
training, and how I feel, there is something else there.”
Her training has been intense. She’s spent time in Hong Kong, running in 30 degree weather with 90 per cent humidity. Her coach, Chris Pilone, rides along side her on a second hand bike, carrying water for the two of them.
She’s also putting the 1500m ahead of the 800m. She won’t commit to running in the 800m until she races in the opening heats of the 1500m. If she feels like she can still compete in the 800m without compromising herself for later 1500m races, then she’ll
give it a go, but in the long run she intends to become a 1500 specialist.
Hamblin’s story is a relief to fans of the Commonwealth Games after weeks of reported problems from Delhi. It began with outbreaks of dengue fever, an especially painful disease to contract, and malaria. Then the poor condition of the athletes village caused
much concern. It seems the builders are struggling to complete the athlete’s village on time, and as a result many have deemed it unlivable.
The most recent cause for concern surrounding the athlete’s village was the discovery of two poisonous snakes. The banks of the Yamuna River have been rising, causing the snakes to move inland.
Most countries are determined to attend the Games, and the Indian government has stated over and over again that they will be ready to start on schedule.
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