John Capel (USA) (© Getty Images)
After a dalliance with American football, Sydney Olympic 200m finalist John Capel is literally ‘back on track’ and aiming for the 9th IAAF World Indoor Championships in Athletics this coming weekend.
John Capel Jr is joyful. The discussion is opened, and peppered with genuine laughs, even though this is one of these rare rainy and depressing days in Gainesville, Florida, where the American sprinter now lives with his wife and his young daughter.
He sounds in fact like a total different person. Back in October 2000, the 24-year-old athlete was literally lethargic, searching for his words, and speaking with a low voice. At the time, Capel was drowsy, still knocked out by his disappointing and unexpected 8th place in the 200m Olympic final in Sydney. The young American had been poised to medal after having stormed through the semi-finals in 20.10 against a head wind of 1.1 m.
Then Capel did not want to hear about Track and Field. He simply wished to take a break from running and make the National Football League. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2001, and transferred to the Kansas City Chiefs, he was given this opportunity to achieve one of his dreams.
Yet, pinpointed after each action, after every single one of his moves on the field, the aspirant Wide-Receiver and Kick-Receiver never felt comfortable with a helmet on. "The coach, the players expected too much from me due to my exposure at the Olympics," he recalls. "I always wanted to play in the NFL, but Football wasn't meant for me," he confesses. "This is not really where I needed to be. I have, however, no regrets regarding my choice."
Last October 2002, Capel therefore decided to turn the corner once again, and dusted off his spikes. "God blessed me with the ability to run. So I am back on the track. I love it and it feels good," he admits.
The results followed fairly quickly. Not only did he finish third in the 60m final at the National Indoor Championships held in Boston (1 – 2 March), but he also claimed the 200m title that qualified him for the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham (March 14-16).
What has really changed then since he left the field?
"I am more mature," Capel answers with vigour. "I grew up. I am married and have a daughter. Leaving track was probably the best thing for me. I have actually never been that fast over 60 and 200m in my life."
The national indoor title is one thing, but Capel remains realistic and admits needing more time to be at his best. "I believe I need to make a few adjustments to get back where I used to be. I should be back on top and ready for the trials next year."
The young sprinter is nevertheless determined to shine as soon as this year. "I will be in Birmingham, yes. This is one of my objectives along with making the team in both the 100 and 200m for Paris."
Today, as he is still eager to loose four pounds - he currently carries 179 pounds against 186 in 2000 - Capel puts fun and pleasure before everything else. Often accused of being arrogant before, he now brushes away this type of comment only to focus on his technique rather than trash-talking his opponents. "We changed a little bit my running style, lengthening my stride, being more technical rather than powerful", he explains.
"I changed, I am telling you," he laughs, before admitting enjoying the rainy day. "It prepares me for Birmingham," he says.
Patrick Merle for the IAAF
