Since my last entry, my rollercoaster ride began after defending my Under 23 title and breaking the county record. I was invited to run in Lillebonne, France and in a wet, windy evening I ran a solid 50.4. Not quick, but considering the weather, I still managed to break the track record. Everything went to plan expect one thing, I managed to lose my passport somewhere in France! Travelling back to England was no problem but getting a new one before my trip to Finland for the Europeans might be more a headache especially as I was informed that it would take a week to receive a new one. Immediately went to London, showed my letter from British Athletics and I got my new passport the same day! What a relief! Thank you Passport Office!
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| Under 23 Great Britain squad in Finland |
In Tampere, Finland, I won my heat but the time of 50.80 was slow. I just was not happy probably because I was not able to sleep, had a cough and my new GB socks were sliding down into my spikes! As it happens, the slow heat was good for me because it gave me a good “kick up the arse”. I knew I had improve in the semi finals to get through to the finals as the competition was very strong.
The semi final was alot better - over a second better! I won my race with a time of 49.57, a new PB, County record and the fastest time of both semi finals. I was really pleased with my time especially as I had reached the B standard for the Worlds. This was a bonus as my main intention at these championships was to come away with a medal. I knew to win a medal I would have to run another PB!
The final came and I knew I had to stick to my plan and not panic especially as I had the favourite, Emir Bekric, in the lane inside me. It was close, but I managed to come away with a silver medal, new county record and A standard with a time of 49.19!See the race by login in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hre0w_TJFDM
My official quote sent from British Athletics was as follows:
“Sebastian Rodger – Men’s 400m hurdles silver medalist (49.19)
I’m over the moon and getting quite emotional, I’m buzzing. All the hard work in the winter and everything came to this point and it’s an amazing feeling. It was a great crowd, great weather and a great experience.
I knew the Serb (Emir Bekric) was going to go out hard so when I saw him on my inside the key thing was not to panic. So I just wanted to do to stick to the same race plan as yesterday and it seemed to work, I came home strong.
I came here as an outsider and ran a really good heat yesterday which put me in a good position for today so I knew I could do it and I’d been telling people I could do it, so I’m delighted I went out there and did it.
I wasn’t even thinking about the time. That’s an A standard for Moscow, which I wasn’t expecting, so we’ll have to wait and see”.
The above just about says it all!
I want to take this opportunity to thank Steve, James Hillier, the GB team and everyone who supported me. Sorry that watching the races was so nerve wreaking! Finland is a lovely country and I would definitely visit it again!
Also you can see interviews on http://www.athleticos.org/video/717313
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTTmGt-AXE
This one race has changed me life! Not only have I been selected to represent Great Britain in World Championship in Moscow but also run in the Olympic celebration in London on the 27th July. This Diamond league event will be televised. The hard work now really begins!
