Relay the only way

As severe tropical storm Kammuri throws hammering rain and wind at the Australian athletics team in Hong Kong, another star athlete is hampered by an injury cloud, Commonwealth 400m champion John Steffensen.

Seated in the Hong Kong University cafeteria with rain and wind squalls outside the windows Steffensen was philosophical about his decision to withdraw from the individual 400m and focus his energy on the 4 x 400m relay.

“We all know I haven’t been running the best. It’s been a pretty difficult year and now when it comes to it I have to make a decision; it’s the individual event or the relay. When you have five other guys depending on you, you can’t just make the decision based on yourself” he said.

The US based sprinter showed the team spirit, reminiscent of 2004 Silver Bullets. 

“You have to be up front and honest with the coach on what you can deliver because he is in charge of the relay team and making decisions for them.”

Arriving at the team camp last night, Steffensen came with his mind pretty much made up after returning home to Sydney for a couple of days following his European campaign.

“Home’s always a good place to clear your head and make decisions that aren’t rash. So when I was there I decided that I can really contribute to the team. Whether I run or don’t run I can help Australia to be successful at this Olympics, so here I am.”

2008 has, to date been a troubled year for Steffensen with injury, illness and unrest taking its toll on his preparation and though he is improving, he knows he is not in the shape it takes to make an Olympic final.

 “Unfortunately when you’ve won before you know what it takes to be number one and you know how far away you are.

“Every time I’ve gotten better this year something else has happened because I’ve been behind the eight ball. I have more to lose by running badly than by staying home. I could have taken the easy option and stayed at home, but I’m here,” Steffensen said.

To make a final alongside the likes of Wariner, Merritt and Brown it is obvious you need to be on top of your game and Steffensen simply isn’t. It’s not from a lack of trying, but unfortunately time has beaten him to the line.

Knowing he would have to run at least 44 .70 to make the final and be in 44.50 shape to overcome the rounds and expected conditions, it’s a big ask - even on a good day.

Despite feeling the mental strain, Steffensen’s physical condition is beginning to improve and he is confident that he can still add another element into the relay team.

 “There’s not a lot you can do about the physical stuff at this stage so if you are a positive person and have good energy you can definitely help the other guys to be the best they possibly can whether you run or don’t run. So this is the path I’m taking “he said.

Steffensen is supremely confident that Australia is in with a chance in the relay and wants to be a big part of that success.

“We all know when it comes to a relay that Australia can pull something special out. Having Clinton (Hill), Mark (Ormrod) and me from Athens, we know how to work each other’s psyche so it’s a good opportunity I don’t want to throw away. 

“America is running the race on their own, so really we won the last Olympics, then there’s Jamaica and the Bahamas with a little bit more horse power than we have. After that it goes Nigeria, Japan, Great Britain, Australia and Poland. We have the same horse power, it’s just how we maneuver it to get the best out of it,” said a confident Steffensen.

In his opinion Australia could have medaled last year at World Championships with the full team and they should have made the final even without him. But this year it’s a bit different, the team has a newfound cohesion and everyone is pulling their weight towards a common goal and it’s something that he wants to really put effort in for too.

“We all need to pull our weight if we want to win a medal. We are working really well together and have good camaraderie. Clinton is a great leader when it comes to relays and we have two guys with really great horse power in Joel and Sean, really I feel we are in a good position without the pressure of Commonwealth Games, where we were meant to win, and we can go in there relaxed but with some expectation on ourselves” he stated.

Despite not competing in the individual event, Steffensen is looking forward to taking on the experienced role model alongside Hill, bringing strength and confidence to the younger team members.

“We would both love to be running individually but if the young guys see the confidence we have leading in to it, it will help them to shine.”

Obviously knocked by his decision, Steffensen will look forward to future and give back to a sport that has give so much to him.

“You can’t slap fate in the face. I’m here for a reason and it would be wrong for me to throw it away because I’m not running well individually.

“Trust me; it’s hard to digest because in my head I’m number one. For me to sit back and put all my effort into a relay where I started is hard.

“You are meant to get better and not go back. But this is the way it is, and I believe something good’s going to come out of it. I’m going to do my best, think positive and give four other guys the best John Steffensen they can get.”

By Nicole Roache in Hong Kong