Dayron Robles at the press conference on the eve of the World Indoor Championships (© Getty Images)
After a disappointing end to a successful indoor season, Dayron Robles has recharged his batteries in Cuba and has resumed training towards the outdoor season, with the Olympic debut as his main target.
Dayron took some time off his busy training schedule to update the IAAF website readers.
“Dear athletics friends,
“Hi from Cuba. I am back in touch after a short holiday in Cuba. I resumed training on Monday 24 March with the focus on my Olympic debut. With less than 140 days to go, there is no time to lose.
“Reflecting on my indoor season, it was perfect until Valencia.
“With 10 of the 12 fastest times this winter, I was expecting to improve on my silver medal performance in Moscow 2006 and win my first global title.
“But a bad start ruined everything. Something similar happened to me in Paris, on 23 February, but I never expected it would repeat again and never in the World Championships. I disappointed the world.
“Despite the failure, Cuba remained among the best. I was happy for my friend Yargelis Savigne who claimed her second World title. David Giralt kept the successful tradition of our triple jumpers and my training partner Anay Tejeda ran three good races, made it to her first World championship final and earned a well-deserved bronze.
“I never lost my confidence. Back home, I went to visit my family and close friends in Guantánamo. Their support is comforting. I spent a week there, I trained and threw a party with relatives and friends just as if I had won the world gold. That helped me relax.
“After a short break, I am motivated with the great challenge ahead. In order to arrive in Beijing in top form, I give 100% in training and expect to start competing in May.
“My doctor was not with me during the indoor tour and I really missed him. I hope he will join me for the last stage of our preparation towards Beijing.
“My coach Santiago Antúnez and I have revised the calendar and we could go for a training camp in Brazil or Mexico.
“I plan to do my first 110m Hurdles in May and compete in 10-11 races in Europe, from early June to late July before the Olympics.
“In total, there is a group of 46 athletes working out hard to try to make the Olympic team. With 2005 World champions Osleidys Menendez and Zulia Calatayud back, nobody wants to miss the opportunity to realize their Olympic dream.
“It is every four years and there is a young generation with great ambitions. You can also expect good news from them.
“Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I will see you in April.
Ciao”
Dayron
