ExxonMobil Bislett Games athletes liaison Steinar Hoen, Jaysuma Saidy Ndure, Michael Johnson and ExxonMobil Bislett Games Meeting Director Svein Arne Hansen (© ExxonMobil Bislett Games organisers)
Oslo, NorwayIAAF Ambassador Michael Johnson hadn’t been to Oslo’s Bislett Stadium since 1998.
Almost a full decade later and the double World record holder was back to Norway’s capital city this time to support the Exxon Mobil Bislett Games, the second leg of this year’s AF Golden League series.
Although fully refurbished after a new track was laid down in 2005, the Bislett Stadium brought memories back to the 40-year-old American.
“I remember taking part in a few competitions here. I remember losing to Frank Fredericks in 1996 here, it was the last race I lost before the Atlanta Olympic Games…” he said with a grin knowing that history would repay him well for that loss.
A nine-time World champion Johnson attended today’s press conference in Oslo together with the national champion and Olympic hopeful Jaysume Saidy Ndure, who had only just returned from a warm weather training camp in the US.
The local crowd’s favourite, Ndure has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the world of sprinting especially since his astonishing 19.89 National record win at last year’s World Athletics Final and his 6.55 National indoor record this winter.
Powell sidelined by injury – Atkins signs up for Oslo
Organisers received confirmation of World record holder Asafa Powell’s injury just prior to today’s press conference, and although his forfeit came as a blow they were quick to replace the awaited Powell-Ndure face to face with an equalling exciting matchup between World silver medallist Derrick Atkins of Bahamas and Ndure.
“I think Atkins is a fantastic runner,” said Ndure. “It’s going to be fun running against him. Me and him are like the new kids on the blocks in the world of sprinting.”
Johnson was quick to back him up: “I agree with Jay, people do know that Atkins is a good runner. He had a fantastic year last year. He’s definitely up there, one of the best in the world and a great substitute to Asafa.”
Oslo will be the only meeting, aside from the Olympic Games, where Ndure is committed to complete a 100/200m double and Johnson believes that the 24-year-old Norwegian champion has what it takes to be amongst the best in the world.
“Jay has his chances. He’s a great talent and he’s young which is always positive. You develop more confidence the quicker you run and that’s what he’s doing. You have to start the Olympic year with confidence.”
“Once you’ve run under 20 seconds you have definitely learnt something about the event,” explained Johnson. “Right now the 200m is a very strong event with Tyson, Wallace, Walter Dix, another amazing American talent…and then Jay. I believe this year it will take 19.5/19.6 to win the Olympic title.
“The 200m is definitely one of the top events to watch.”
Ndure seemed to share Johnson’s opinion as his prediction reflected the IAAF Ambassador’s. “I aim at running 19.5/19.6 and to try and learn how to do it I watch Michael’s 19.32 run every day. I think Michael is a great runner and a fantastic guy. We all try to break his record, Tyson is trying, I am trying so you never know what may happen…”
About the World record, Johnson certainly knows better than anyone else what it takes to get there. “Every record will be broken one day and I believe Tyson has the possibility to do it. But 19.5 seems close to the World record when you’re not running it. In truth those thousands and tenths of a second are so much more difficult to achieve.”
Wariner also confirmed for Oslo
Meeting director Svein Arne Hansen also announced the confirmed presence of 400m Olympic and double World champion Jeremy Wariner who will be one of the hottest contestants for this year’s Golden League Jackpot.
“Jeremy has been incredibly consistent since the Athens Olympic Games. He’s learnt so much so quick about the event that he could win another 2 Olympic Games and all World Championships in between,” said Johnson about the man he describes as the potential breaker of his 400m World record.
The Exxon Mobil Bislett Games will take place on Friday 6 June 2008.
Click here for more information: http://www.bislettgames.com/
Laura Arcoleo for the IAAF