Feeling fit and healthy, two-time Commonwealth 400 metres medallist Aliann Pompey is on course to end a creditable career with her final run at the 2012 Olympics in London starting from July 27.
After a minor surgery on her Achilles tendon that seemingly hampered her run at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea last August, Pompey took six weeks off from the track before starting her season.
However, following a rehabilitation programme that included weight training and pool exercises, the graceful 400 metres sprinter is preparing to make her final push to enhance her Olympics credentials and establish a legacy as one of Guyana’s track greats.
“I decided that these would be my last Games… I’m going to stick to that, and not only would this be my last Olympics, but it may be my last meet – period.
“This has been a hugely emotional time for me as I’ve experienced setbacks, hurdles, growth, great times, and even better times as I prepared for my final games,” Pompey told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview via e-mail.
Focusing on her finish in the 400 metres, Pompey has declared that she is not pressured by what is expected of her by the Guyanese public but will give 200 percent of everything she has when the summer Olympics roll around next month.
“I’ll admit that I have been hugely secretive about my preparations for London. I have given several short interviews about my fitness levels, and I know expectations must be running rampant.
“The Guyanese public has generally celebrated my highs with me, and has sympathized with my failures. I think they know enough of my character to know that when I step on the line, that I’m not only doing this for myself, but for them also. I will give 200% of everything I have in London,” Pompey stated in the interview.
With her confidence at a high and her calm approach towards the biggest stage of track and field for the fourth time in her illustrious career, Pompey still declined to commit to any specific time she is aiming for at the games but informed Stabroek Sport that her main aim is to run well.
“Whether you’ve supported me, or doubted me, what you see in London will be all I have. I won’t make any promises, as I don’t want to have to answer to anyone when it’s all done. And I definitely don’t want to put any extra pressure on myself but my intention is to run well.
“Four years ago I was much freer with the information and interviews. I answered every question that was asked of me and I got involved in one of the most distracting and unkind situations of my athletic career. I don’t want a repeat of that,” Pompey stated.
Further with the weather in London expected to be unkind, Stabroek Sport questioned Pompey on how she plans to deal with such circumstances.
“Well I’ll have to wear more clothing and modify my warm-up routine, along with taking some heat rubs,” the Pan American 400 metres bronze medallist stated.
Fast forwarding to post-Olympics, Stabroek Sport also tried to get an understanding of what the life of the 34-year-old 400 metres sprinter would be like, once she enters into retirement, especially after taking over as director of the Education Services post in the Armory Foundation Preparatory Programme.
“I plan on continuing to work at the Armory Foundation… I recently got my contract extended and plan to continue working to get young Track and Field high school student athletes into college. It’s brought me a lot of joy over the past three years to work with such wonderful young people.
“They’re at a very exciting time in their lives and their energy is contagious. This year I took over as Director from my predecessor, Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles in 1996, Derrick Adkins. He’s been a mentor to me, encouraging me to chase my dreams,” Pompey revealed.
She also indicated that she would like to play a role in molding Guyanese athletes of the future as she has the strong belief that Guyana can be a powerhouse on the world stage.
“While I’ve made it known that I’m not going to be running after this, it in no way means I’m removing myself from the sport. I’m encouraged that there are several young athletes that are making serious headway in Track and Field. I’m not sure what my role will be exactly, but I’d like to help mold the athletes and contribute to the AAG (Athletics Association of Guyana) and the GOA (Guyana Olympic Association) in any way I can.
“I’ve always thought that we can be a powerhouse in the sport, not just in the Caribbean, but on an even bigger stage,” Pompey said.
Meanwhile with Pompey acknowledging all the support from the sports administration in Guyana, the Guyanese public and her family, she plans to run at her final meet before the Olympics on July 6 and 7 to get a better feeling of her readiness before the London 2012 Olympics start on July 27.
