Pozzi sets sights on Commonwealth Games gold
HAVING just had his first taste of gold at a global event, hurdler Andrew Pozzi has his sights set on the top of the podium once again at the Commonwealth Games.
The 25-year-old put his years of injury torment behind him to finish first in the 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham last month.
With a full indoor season under his belt, the Stratford star then travelled straight to Australia for his first visit to the country to begin preparations on the Gold Coast.
And, on the eve of the Games, he is feeling confident that his success in Birmingham has put him in prime position to demonstrate his ability again on the big stage.
“I had a full indoor season and finished by winning the World Indoor Championships, so that was a big goal for me
and being so close to the Commonwealth Games it means I’m in top form,” he said.
“My last few races have been really competitive, really strong and that’s going to stand me in good stead going into the Commonwealth Games.
“Every athlete aims to be on top of the podium and that’s the one moment where all of your hard work from weeks, months, years comes together.
“There is a lot of chaos in and around racing and I think it’s that one moment of calm where you can really take it all in.
“Watching the flag as it heads up the flagpole is an incredible moment for any athlete so that’s what I’ll be looking for in the Commonwealth Games.”
The Stratford AC athlete’s injury troubles were so bad that he was only able to line up for one outdoor race in a 1,384-day period after a hamstring problem ended his hopes at the London 2012 Olympics.
He is now looking to continue where he left off at the World Indoor Championships by adding another medal to his collection on the Gold Coast.
But it is not just the chance to win gold that Pozzi is looking forward to — he is also relishing the opportunity to get one over on his British team-mates.
“It’s the only time in the calendar we get to compete for England or our respective Home Nations rather than all coming together as Team GB or the Great Britain team,” he said.
“That adds a slight dynamic, there’s a good bit of rivalry with our team-mates from Wales and Scotland who we’re so used to competing with.
“And, actually, seeing everyone in different colours and different kit and wanting to get one over on them is one of the things that makes the Commonwealth Games special.
“I think it’s also cool because it’s a multi-sport event and it’s the only one alongside the Olympics that we compete in, that gives it a different dimension.”
Pozzi will have the benefit of plenty of support Down Under, with both his parents, his sister and her boyfriend and one of his brothers flying out for the Games.
“Obviously it’s a big commitment to come from the UK all the way over to Australia but I’m fortunate my family follow me everywhere and really give me their support,” he added.
The 110m hurdles heats take place on Monday at the Carrara Stadium, followed by the final on Tuesday.
npower is the official partner of Team England and is giving our athletes the power of support by recording a brand new version of their anthem, Jerusalem. To listen to the track visit npower.com/teamengland
