PREPARATION PHASE.
Since we now have a number of advanced coaches, the idea is spreading that the "Athletics Year" needs to be phased. Since the first major competition for I-Kiribati athletes is not until May, since some started training in December thay have been advised to make the first part of their year a build-up of basic qualities, emphasising speed, strength, power, and flexibility. On this basis, starting around now (in March) they should build on this good foundation and incorporate more technical items into their sessions. One peak will be May 22/23 for the National (K.A.A.) Championships. Another peak for the majority will be the Senior Inter-School on July 08-10. The distinctive events of Independence Week (July 12 - 17) will be followed by another easing and lifting of performance for those who will be involved in the Oceania events on Gold Coast in August. After that, there needs to be a final easing and raising of performance aimed at the Pacific Mini Games in Rarotonga in September.
PROMISING EARLY-SEASON FORM .
Nevertheless, it was good to see a number of top performers at the Trials, even though many used the opportunity for "reminding themselves about basic technique". In the High Jump (with a rubber bar), David (1.80) and Ms. Terina (1.35) worked on their approaches; similarly Boitu and Taiateiti (13.0+) worked on their TJ; Raobu did mostly drills and power throws of Discus, but put in one effort with full turn which was probably beyond his best (38.0+). In other training, Raobu has been trying the rotational (Baryshnikov) Shot Putt: when he controls his turn it is approaching his best at nearly 13.0. None of the field events were done as competitions.
On the track, most of the racing was geared to the Junior Secondary (JSS) students. The one Senior 100m. race gave some indication of the "main players" this year with Tanroo kicking harder than Mootee and Tonika.
SOME RESULTS. (All boys.)
100m. (Junior) 1. Taakea. 14.9 2. Tatoa. 15.9 3. Nantei. 16.1 (6 ran)
(Senior) 1. Tanroo. 12.1 2. Mootee. 12.3 3. Tonika. 12.5 4. Thomas. 12.5 (5 ran)
200m. (Junior) 1. Taakea. 31.5 2. Thomson. 33.6 3. Ataia. 33.9
400m. (Junior) 1. Matakabu. 1-08.3 2. Totirite. 1-11.7
APRIL TRIALS - A BETTER GUIDE ?
The Trials at the end of April, after many of the schools have had their Inter-Team domestic competitions, will provide a better form guide, leading into May with two dates for the age-groups of World Athletics Day plus the KAA events. A selection process (e.g. for the World Youth Championships) will happen at this time.
Last Modified on 08/03/2009 13:13