George Henry, Gleaner Writer
Olympian Aleen Bailey speaks to her coach Glen Mills recently at a track meet at the Kirkvine Sports Club in Manchester. - Photo by George Henry
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
LOCAL TRACK and field coaches have been given high praise by former Vere Technical High student and gold medallist at last year's Olympics, Aleen Bailey.
In an interview with The Gleaner, the 4x100m Olympic gold medallist said Jamaica's track and field coaches are among the best in the world but most of them are not really recognised.
The 24-year-old has been back in the island since September working with national coach Glen Mills.
Bailey, currently preparing to run at the Penn Relays, pointed out that Jamaican track coaches are very patient, know how to deal with athletes under their supervision and learn about their athletes physically and mentally.
HIGH PRAISE
She had high praise for her current coach, Glen Mills, who she said has some of the best workouts anywhere in the world.
"His workouts are well-planned. Usually I am not able to finish my workout, but with Glen Mills I am able to go through my day's training without stopping or being too tired.
"He is a very good coach and working with him here in Jamaica is really wonderful," Bailey said of the national senior head coach.
She also pointed out that she felt more comfortable staying in Jamaica to do her training programme.
As it relates to her preparation, Bailey, who competed in the 100, 200 and 4x100m at the Athens Olympics, said: "I am now in the best shape that I have ever been. In college I was not training this hard this
early and I am now trying to get used to it (training), because my body is not yet used to it. But I am much fitter than I have ever been at this point in time."
COMPETITION
Bailey, who has a semester to go in college in her studies in sociology, intends to continue competing on the local and international scene for the next five to six years.
Bailey also spoke about her Vere Technical and Jamaica relay teammate, Veronica Campbell, saying there could not have been a better choice for the Sportswoman of the Year Award.
She stated that Campbell, whom she has known from she (Campbell) was 12 years old has been known to be a hardworking athlete who has matured into a beautiful, talented young athlete.
Bailey stated that she expected some wonderful performances from Campbell this season.
