Dayron Robles of Cuba storms the 110m Hurdles gold in wet conditions in Rio (© AFP / Getty Images)
With almost 100 days to go to the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing, Dayron Robles wants to live his first Summer Games to the fullest while he prepares for the outdoor season in Europe.
Just days before travelling to Ecuador for a four-week training camp, the young Cuban athlete found some free time to update the IAAF website readers.
“Dear Athletics friends,
“Hi from Cuba. We just started our special training period towards the outdoor season and the Olympic Games. I am training with great dedication and always trying to do things the right way. I am committed to bringing more joy to my people.
“After the general conditioning, we have begun to work out on the track, on some drills and every detail of the hurdles race.
“We are scheduled to fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador, on 1 May, for a four-week training camp with the national team.
“According to our times indoors and our training, I expect good results outdoors. My debut is scheduled for 1 June in the Golden League meeting in Berlin and we expect to do at least 10 races before traveling to China.
“Ecuador will allow us to train more calmly and polish all the details of a hurdles race before starting our European campaign.
“We have formed a good team with our coach Santiago Antúnez, his assistants Kelvin and Ramiro, as well as our physician Richard, physiotherapist Josué and psychologist Maritza.
“There is a great spirit in the team as Anier Garcia is recovered and Anay Tejeda is very motivated after her bronze medal performance in Valencia. Yoel Hernandez also hopes to make it to Beijing.
“We are seconded by a group of young and talented athletes. Four of them are training for the World Junior Championships in Poland.
“I look forward to my first Olympic Games. I already went to China last year and I loved it. Coincidentally, my event will be one of the top attractions as the Chinese and Liu Xiang want to repeat the Olympic title he won in Athens 2004.
“I am sure tickets for the 110m Hurdles final are sold out. I know the responsibility with my people, but I want to live the Games apart from the competitive aspect of it.
“I am only 21 and I am sure Beijing won't be my last Olympics. Life goes on after the Games, but I want to do something big and win a medal.
“I have enjoyed the atmosphere of the Central American and Caribbean as well as the Pan American Games. But the Olympic Games are the dream of every athlete; I am fortunate to be able to attend at such a young age.
“I want to learn from other cultures and meet people from all over.
“In my free time, I spend time with my girlfriend and family. I hope to pick up more words in Mandarin before I meet my friend Liu Xiang again and arriving in Beijing.
“Thanks for all your support and let's stay in touch. I will be back with you in May.
“Nos vemos (See you).”
Dayron
