18.08.2009

Steff gets set for fourth world titles

When John Steffensen hits the track tonight in the heats of the 400m he will launch his fourth world championships campaign.

Of current team members only Patrick Johnson and Tamsyn Lewis lead the enigmatic West Australian, the duo on track to record their fifth appearances at a world track and field titles when they take to the start line in Berlin.

"I competed in my first world championships in Paris in 2003 as a relay runner, so it's amazing to get this far," said Steffensen, who just one year after Paris went on to win an Olympic silver medal in the 4x400m relay
in Athens.

At the 2005 world championships in Helsinki, Finland, Steffensen ran 45.56 to place eighth but has since been
plagued by niggling injuries.

Despite his recurring hamstring woes Steffensen has enjoyed plenty of success, highlighted by a Commonwealth Games title in 2006, a semi-finals berth at the 2007 world championships in Osaka and a contribution to Australia's sixth place in the 4x400m at the Beijing Olympics last year.

The rollercoaster ride has continued in 2009 as the one-lap specialist impressed at the Australian championships in March, placing second to Sean Wroe, but then battled injury throughout his European campaign.

After a seventh place at Stockholm's DN Galan two weeks ago with a time of 46.16, Steffensen had his fingers crossed he would make it to Berlin healthy and after many late nights undergoing rehabilitation on his back-related leg problems, he is optimistic about his chances at Berlin Olympic Stadium.

"We're still trying to get the leg right, working day and night. We know its going to be a battle and a battle we are willing to take," Steffensen said.

Still, at each major championships he has contested he has set season's best times, his interrupted preparations not getting in the way of his champion qualities.

In Berlin Steffensen has received plenty of support from Australian Flame staff helping to get his body right in time for tonight's heats, where he will be joined by countrymen Joel Milburn and Wroe.

"I have to give it to (National High Performance Manager) Eric (Hollingsworth). His guidance and how he has treated me has been very professional and it's been a massive help, especially with the trials and tribulations of the track game," Steffensen said.

The 26-year-old said he would wear the Flame colours with pride when he steps out onto the track later tonight.

"The general vibe of the team is very good. This is a new path we are creating."

Steffensen is one of six Australians in action on day four of the 12th IAAF world championships in Berlin. Catch all the action live on SBS ONE and SBS TWO from 2:00am AEST.