Track and Field Blogs - Steve Hooker

Hi Guys,

As you've probably seen in the past few days Mark has been visiting Perth, during which time he has been trying to convince me that Flotrack is the greatest website ever. Upon close inspection I have to agree with him. Flotrack rocks and it's great to see so many people getting involved, be it posting video's, bogging or just logging on and checking out the content. I've gotta say it gives me a really good feeling about the future of our sport. I did notice though that field eventers we're way out numbered, so I thought I'd do my part and blog.

I was thinking for my first blog that I would talk about my thoughts on the year ahead but to do that I think I have to wind back the clock 4 years and remind myself of a particular day in Athens. I'd just missed my 3rd attempt at 5.50m in the qualifying round at the olympics and i remember one thought going over and over in my head "I can't believe I have to wait another 4 years to have another go at this!"

The Olympic games only come around every four years (stating the obvious there I know) think about what that really means though, for most people it probably means one olympic games at your peak as an athlete or two if your lucky. Just a couple of chances in your lifetime to perform on that stage at your best. I guarantee when you go to track meets this year and you'll see a different look in the eyes of the athletes competing than in a non-leap year. There is just so much more at stake. You'll see people break through barriers and outperforming even their own expectations. In amongst that you'll see something even more amazing, a few people that are truly READY, they are physically and mentally at the top of their game and they know that the gold medal is around their neck unless somebody can wrestle it from them.

I was lucky enough to watch Tim Mack go about his Olympic campaign in 2004 and it was clear to everyone around him that it was going to take something very special for him to be beaten.
He was in such good shape and so mentally focused that even at lead up meets in poor conditions he looked like 6 metre jumps were always a possiblilty.

So I find myself at the start of 2008 asking just one question, "Am I ready?"

As yet I really don't have an answer to that question. I know that I have made so many massive leaps forward over the past 4 years but there are still things that I know need work. I hope over the next 7 months the plans that I have put in place roll out smoothly and that when I walk out into the stadium in Beijing I will know the answer is a resounding YES. I also hope you guys enjoy a little part of my journey through this blog.

Until next time. Have fun.