Donald Thomas of Bahamas celebrates winning gold in the men's High Jump (© Getty Images)
World champion high jumper Donald Thomas of the Bahamas is looking to soar to some extraordinary heights in the New Year.
But the holidays are here and it’s time to celebrate the joys of the season.
He tells the IAAF:
"I’m heading to Panama for Christmas and hope to have a great time there with Krystal (girl friend Krystal Culiolis) and our son, DaShawn.
"DaShawn’s just one year old, but he’s already looking like an athlete. I think he has the makings.
"I’ve never been to Panama, so it should be interesting.
"We’ll be in Panama City and I’m hoping to get in some good workouts. I’m even hoping to meet up with (Panama’s World champion long jumper) Irving Saladino down there.
"We can compare notes, maybe help each other out. I think there will be a lot we can share."
With the New Year just ahead, Thomas knows it’s time to get back into serious training.
"I basically shut it down after (the) Yokohama (meet Sept. 30.) That was my last meet. It completed a great year and it was time to give my body some rest."
His pair of 2.35 leaps claim a share of the top spot on the 2007 year list.
Based in Auburn, Alabama, USA, he’s enrolled at Auburn University and working on a master’s degree in finance. He’d earned his bachelor’s degree at Lindenwood University of St. Charles, Missouri.
"We’re coming back (from Panama) on January 3rd and when I get back to Auburn, I’m going to work at two internships and finish up with one on-line class.
"And then, all going well, I’d have my master’s by next May.
"In the meantime, I’m going to get in great shape and try to build from one meet to the next.
"I’ll do a lot of bounding drills, weightlifting, stretching, striding, plyos (plyometrics), all that.
"I’m not sure about my full schedule yet, but I know my first meet of the New Year’s going to be at Goteborg (Sweden) on January 29th."
Beijing?
"I know a lot of people are already talking about me doing great there, but that’s not me. I’m not even thinking about Beijing right now.
"It’s just too far ahead.
"You can’t look that far in advance. Anything can happen. I’m just taking it one day at a time."
Donald
