News31 Jul 2002


"I smiled so much it hurt" says teenage star Jana Pittman

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Jana Pittman of Australia wins the women's 400m hurdles in Manchester (© © Allsport)

Winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal at 400m hurdles, in front of 38,000 screaming fans, was an unbelievable experience for Australia's 19 year-old Jana Pittman. In the first of her online diaries for the IAAF, Pittman recalls how it felt.

"I vividly remember my arms shaking with anticipation as I lower myself into the blocks. My mind starts racing before the gun goes and my heart is already pounding uncontrollably. Then, "bang," the race begins. My whole world feels like it has stopped. Although the crowd roars, all I can hear is deathly silence. The hurdles seem to bounce up so rapidly ... then I am on the back straight, on the final bend and that last hurdle approaches. It seems gigantic - at least 10 foot high as my body shrinks lower with each stride. But finally, with a sigh, I reach the finish line. A wave of excitment engulfs me.

"They play the aussie anthem and raise my flag higher than the others. I am announced as the new Commonwealth champion and all I want to do is cry!

"What more can I say. It's a sensation I live for. I am amazed, happy, excited and smile so much it hurts. The actual race wasn't perfect but showed promise and, anyway, in the bigger events it's the hardware that counts: the times will come later ...

"I could have asked for nothing more. That Commonwealth experience will live with me forever and mark the beginning of my "grown-up" career. I have become completely obsessed with track, thriving on the atmosphere and the strength and determination of my fellow athletes. I love everything that goes with being an athlete.

"I am happy to say that the last few weeeks of 'real racing' on my first european circut has opened my eyes to what I can look forward to in the future.

"I have changed as a person and hopefully, can now take off my 'learner' plates as an athlete. I can't wait for the IAAF World Cup in Madrid and to get back on the circuit again next year. And I'm honoured to be able to write these diaries for the IAAF! I'll speak to you again soon ..."

Jana Pittman

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