Euro Insight: James Kaan

Time period spent in Europe?

I was in Europe from late June to early August, Roughly 7weeks and now in Shenzhen, China for World University Games.

Base whilst in Europe?

I was based in Teddington with the rest of the Melbourne Track Club athletes

What races did you target and how did they go?

I had a mixed bag of races and performances. The most notable performances came from the following meets:

·         Morton Mile, Dublin 4^th 3.58.19

·         Joensuu Games 1500m 1^st 3.40.09

·         London Diamond League Emsley Carr Mile 7^th 3.57.7

I ran two 800’s whilst in Europe. The first of which was in Nuoro, Sardinia. Unfortunately I was caught up in a fall 150m from the finish. The second race was at the Savo Games in Finland where I places 6^th in 1.47.6.

Most enjoyable experience?

London Diamond league

What was the lowest point?

After the fall in Sardinia I was finding it really tough, I have never had that happen to me before and I was in great shape for that race so I felt pretty shattered. You have to learn to take those things in stride though and move on to the next race.

Lessons learnt during this European experience?

To be honest I learnt a lot about training. Being in London was a real eye opener to the world of a professional athlete and the load of training you have to do to be world class. It’s great to experience that now as it should help me to build for next year, 2012.