8th September 2024
Sports league
LM Community Track, London Stadium
A final visit to close out the 2024 Outdoor season and back to the Stratford Speed GP for Russel Taib down to the capital from his midlands base to compete in a final 100m and 200m combination.
Whilst the season’s competitions had been somewhat marred and hampered by the weather more often than not in Europe and the UK this summer it was hoped that a break and some decent conditions might present on the day. However true to form and in line with the Met Office Scientists predictions “September saw unsettled weather across the UK. The jet stream was south shifted for most of the month, making it very wet for the south” and so another outing in the sun with some rain was the order of the day unfortunately. And if the recent World Weather Attribution (WWA) reports prove correct, an ongoing and increasing variable for the future European and UK outdoor seasons!
At least for the first race Men’s 100m’s it was dry and sunny for the athletes and a fair size crowd of spectators had turned up for the season’s last hurrah.
Using the previous strategy for a warm up 100m to follow on to the favoured 200m race Russel placed 6th with 10.67 and on to the 200m.
Whilst this time the previous re-scheduling issues on the race day were thankfully absent unfortunately by the starting line-up for the 200m the heavens had opened and unfortunately it was to be yet another season’s 200m in the rain!
At least the wind factor wasn’t in play on this occasion at a flat 0.0.
First to the finish line was Jahde Williams 21.0, second Kaesi Opara 21.01, and Russel taking third with 21.30
We asked Russel for his thoughts on the outdoor seasons wrap:
“This season was definitely a mixed-bag, and unfortunately at times felt like it was more difficult than necessary. Being taken off the Malaysian national podium program funding for 2024 and the lack of communication of it was extremely disappointing, forcing last-minute increases in working hours and late night shifts after what was a strong, healthy preseason. I had ranked first in Malaysia for 2023 for 200m and competed at the Asian Games. It was frustrating not to be able to display what times we thought the preseason indicated, but there were some glimpses with a couple windy times, including an all-conditions PB of 20.71 which is faster than my current PB and National Record of 20.77. With that being said, I finished my season in September having the leading 200m time in Malaysia for legal and windy times despite no funding, full time work and still adjusting to a new environment and program; for that, I am proud of how I conducted myself. I am also grateful to have been invited to compete around Europe at high quality meets, reminding myself that I can compete and perform at an international level. Now, it is time for a few weeks off to rest and recover, but importantly, review what worked and didn’t work, and ensure steps are in place to make 2025 the best season yet. It is a time to transition from this past season by debriefing and recognising key factors, and then closing the book before setting targets for the season ahead. Steps have already been taken by transitioning into a new full time job which will be more accommodating with the training schedule, addressing the key need for better balance in my lifestyle without current support. On to the track, I’m keen to get stuck in”!
Our thanks to all the fans and supporters for following the season and the many words of encouragement and support, and all the event organisers and especially the many volunteers who’s passion and hard work for the sport help make it all possible – see you next time.