Alfons Juck for IAAF
8 June 2001 – Praha, Czech Republic
- The biggest hero of athletics year 2001 is undoubtedly Czech decathlon star Roman
Sebrle. After his super weekend in the Austrian Alps and breaking of 9000 points the world
started to ask - who is this man?
He had already produced some excellent series of good results, most recently with silver in Sydney and gold at the World Indoors in Lisbon. But, nevertheless, only very few people realistically hoped for 9000 points.
The man behind the success is coach Zdenek Vana, the father-in-law of double world champion and former world record holder Tomas Dvorak. In the team of Sebrle, Dvorak and other decathletes, Jan Podebradsky (8314) and Tomas Komenda (7756), are also throws coach Jaroslav Brabec, pole vault coach Pavel Beran (appointed for Sebrle only recently, previously Boleslav Patera), physio Stanislav Tabor, doctors Pavel Kolar and Vladislav Brejcha and manager Libor Varhanik.
The team is now the best in the world and other multi-eventers are asking whether they can be part of the group. Discussions are being held in the group to decide until which date coach Vana will continue to work, he himself does not want to specify the date, the athletes are hoping for at least until the 2004 Olympic Games.
The first days after the record were very hectic for Sebrle, he was even promoted by the defense minister - he is now a lieutenant.
He started also at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava in the hurdles and will compete at the decathlon meet in Ratingen next weekend (16-17 June), but only in some events as he is also fighting a cold after Götzis.
He will be also at another big Czech meet of the year, the Odlozil Memorial on June 18 in Praha. There will be a triathlon with 200m, shot put and 110m hurdles and entered are not only Sebrle, but also Dvorak, Erki Nool, Jon-Arnar Magnusson and Lev Lobodin.
Everything looks like the best two decathletes ever, Sebrle and Dvorak, will again compete in all ten events at the World Champs in Edmonton. Between all the hype and interest Roman Sebrle was able to find the time to answer a few questions. His replies are very interesting and show that he is a very open, dynamic and skilled young man who knows what he wants to do.
· A few days on, what is the moment from the record weekend you remember most?
“It is clearly the last metres in 1500m race. Specially, the moment when I realised I did it. I felt terribly tired in my body, but my soul was happy. It was a feeling which is hard to describe.”
· Did you ever think you could break 9000 points?
“To be honest, yes. But especially this year I was hoping for it, because I had a high quality preparation. My training results showed this potential.”
· Where did you find the power to achieve personal bests in critical moments, like in the javelin and 1500 m in Götzis?
“In javelin I was sure I had the potential to throw 70 metres and it came at the right time. For the 1500m it was a different situation, I did not trust myself too much. I only knew I also had special preparation for this event in my legs. It was good that I did not have any special problems during the race and the motivation for 9000 points was the main factor.
About 300 m before the finish line the feeling that there was a real possibility to make it started and so I was able to gain more speed due to my mental strength.”
· Why did you start with athletics?
“Because I enjoyed it so much watching it on TV.”
· Which event of the ten do you like most and which is the worst for you?
“It depends. When I feel good shape at a certain time, this is the event I like. But I think I always prefer the long jump, high jump and javelin. I don’t like 400 the metres and the pole vault except when I’m really in shape.”
· In which event do you think you still have room for improvement?
“I hope I will be able to be better in all events, but the biggest room is in the pole vault. My training regime is the right one for me. But I think my best years are still to come. The main factor is the health situation. If I’m healthy, better results will come along.”
· What do you think is your barrier?
“I think in ideal conditions and ideal health conditions 9200-9300 would be possible. But my health will have to stay good for some years, that is important. And that is hard, I’m not sure whether it is possible to do. And from my point of view - nobody can achieve 10 000 points.”
· What score will be needed for gold in Edmonton?
“Not less then 8750 points.”
· What are your out of athletics interests?
“All sports, even playing cards. But to be serious, everything to with computers and digital technology. I also like our version of snooker. And of course the sun and the sea.”
· Did you have any idols?
“Not especially, but I always admired my grandfather. I’m very sorry he is no more living, specially today.”
· Are you ready to cope with great popularity and media pressure?
“I hope so. I want to remain myself as I always was. I think I know how to handle it.”
· Do you plan family to be in steps of your colleague Tomas Dvorak (twin daughters)? “Not now, but in 2-3 years for sure.”
· Before competitions are you doing something special, do you have superstitions?
“Only for big events. I always have my notebook with me and that is my relaxation. During the decathlon I always think only of the next event and my personal record.”
· 9000 in decathlon - can you compare it to some other barriers in life?
“I do not like to compare it. But if you want, maybe it is comparable with Neil Armstrong´s steps on the moon. In athletics you can compare it with 9 metres in the long jump, that is a barrier.”
