Campbell will bounce back

Nick Clowes • Published 23 Jul 2009 09:00 0 Comments

Athletics

WINDSOR'S Ainsley Campbell is refusing to let injury ruin his European Youth Olympic Festival - despite crashing out of the 400m at the first round stage.

The 16-year-old Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow Athletics Club star cut a dejected figure as his 400m heat performance saw him miss out on a place in the final.

Campbell has been struggling with a hamstring injury for almost two months and his 53.41 seconds display in the Ratina Stadium in Tampere was well down on his personal best of 48.88 seconds, set on his way to the Southern Counties under-15 and under-17 Championship title in May.

Campbell had been hitting the track hard in a bid to be fit for his Team GB bow but insists Lady Luck was not on his side.

"It was just lack of training that did it," said Campbell. "I've been out for six weeks and this is the competition I wanted to be fit for and I was fighting so much for it but it just wasn't to be.

"I've had a couple of training sessions in the week just to try and get myself right but I'm just not up to the standard of these guys at the moment.

"I was in Wales doing the Welsh Championships and I think I just over did it and it just went."

But Campbell insists his Finnish adventure is far from over as he bids to bounce back from his individual disappointment.

Campbell is keeping his fingers-crossed he will be back to full fitness later this week when he teams up with Liam Clowes, James Lelliott and Themba Luhana in the 4x100m relay.

"I'm looking forward to that because I want to get back on the track as soon as possible and put this behind me," he added.

"It is all a learning curve for me. I'm getting to know the international circuit and hopefully I can come up against these athletes in the future.

"Aside from the race, the week has been brilliant - the team gets on really well and we have had such a good time. I've learnt a lot and I definitely want more of this."

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This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 24 Jul 09

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