All set for another "adventure" in Annecy

All set for another "adventure" in Annecy
21 June 2002

Russia’s Yuriy Borzakovskiy – one of the brightest world talents in 800m running – has started his season with a vengeance. In his first diary for the IAAF the 21 year-old describes his ambitions for this weekend’s European Cup, and his joy at recently becoming a father.

The summer season has started in a very promising way for me. In Moscow I decided to try a 400m and ran a good race, winning in 45.91. I just wanted to test my speed. Then I ran my first 800m race in Turin. Before the race, I had been told that the pace-maker was going to run the first lap in 50-50.5 seconds. Well, when he actually hit the bell the clock showed 51.68 and I was just a few metres behind. After 500 metres I felt the pace was going to slow down so I took the lead and was able to keep it until the finish. I was satisfied with my time: especially since 1:44.25 is the fastest in the world so far this year.

Now I am heading to Annecy, France, to compete in the European Cup for Russia. Again, I plan to run the 800m.

I feel very good, and my training sessions have gone all right.

This is all important but I have also started a new ”adventure” that is much more important. In April my wife, Irina, gave birth to our first son, Yaroslav. I am a father! It is fantastic. The little boy is just great!

Speak to you again soon ...

Yuriy Borzakovskiy