ID :
191456
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 08:49
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https://oananews.org//node/191456
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Top local marathoner struggling to find form: official
SEOUL, June 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's best hope for a medal at the upcoming athletics world championships is struggling to find his form, a senior official said Tuesday.
Hwang Young-jo, former Olympic marathon champion and head of the marathon technical committee at the Korea Association of Athletic Federations (KAAF), said Ji Young-jun has been battling injuries and off-field distractions in preparation for the World Championships in Athletics, to be held in late August in the southeastern city of Daegu.
"To compete at the world championships, you have to run 30 to 40 kilometers about 10 times in training," Hwang said. The marathon covers 42.195 kilometers.
"Ji hasn't completed one run because of thigh pains," Hwang added. "To compete in summer, as opposed to spring or fall, you have to have stamina. And even if he gets in four or five runs, that still won't be enough."
South Korea has never won a medal at the world athletics championships and could become only the third host to get shut out in the event's 28-year history. But in the marathon team event, which combines the times of the three fastest finishers of a country, South Korea is counting on a medal.
Ji won the gold medal at last year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. But he hasn't raced in competition since, having pulled out of races in March and April with the flu and right thigh pains.
Earlier this month, Ji was investigated on suspicions of using performance enhancing substances. Though police and the national anti-doping agency have cleared him of any allegations, Ji has had a hard time regrouping himself, Hwang said.
"We're trying to have Ji run a half-marathon event in Sapporo on July 3, since he didn't run any races in the first half of the year," Hwang said. "It's not clear whether he can complete the run."
Hwang said Ji, whose personal best is two hours, eight minutes and 30 seconds, is still the top marathoner for South Korea. He also said the likely absence of top-class runners, those who clock in at 2:03 to 2:05, could help South Koreans' cause.
"The world championships offer less purse than the Berlin Marathon (set for late September)," Hwang noted. "And some may even withdraw in the middle of the Daegu race ahead of Berlin. If our guys can finish their runs, we can expect some surprising results."
Hwang said the national team will train on the actual world championships marathon route in Daegu on July 9.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)
Hwang Young-jo, former Olympic marathon champion and head of the marathon technical committee at the Korea Association of Athletic Federations (KAAF), said Ji Young-jun has been battling injuries and off-field distractions in preparation for the World Championships in Athletics, to be held in late August in the southeastern city of Daegu.
"To compete at the world championships, you have to run 30 to 40 kilometers about 10 times in training," Hwang said. The marathon covers 42.195 kilometers.
"Ji hasn't completed one run because of thigh pains," Hwang added. "To compete in summer, as opposed to spring or fall, you have to have stamina. And even if he gets in four or five runs, that still won't be enough."
South Korea has never won a medal at the world athletics championships and could become only the third host to get shut out in the event's 28-year history. But in the marathon team event, which combines the times of the three fastest finishers of a country, South Korea is counting on a medal.
Ji won the gold medal at last year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. But he hasn't raced in competition since, having pulled out of races in March and April with the flu and right thigh pains.
Earlier this month, Ji was investigated on suspicions of using performance enhancing substances. Though police and the national anti-doping agency have cleared him of any allegations, Ji has had a hard time regrouping himself, Hwang said.
"We're trying to have Ji run a half-marathon event in Sapporo on July 3, since he didn't run any races in the first half of the year," Hwang said. "It's not clear whether he can complete the run."
Hwang said Ji, whose personal best is two hours, eight minutes and 30 seconds, is still the top marathoner for South Korea. He also said the likely absence of top-class runners, those who clock in at 2:03 to 2:05, could help South Koreans' cause.
"The world championships offer less purse than the Berlin Marathon (set for late September)," Hwang noted. "And some may even withdraw in the middle of the Daegu race ahead of Berlin. If our guys can finish their runs, we can expect some surprising results."
Hwang said the national team will train on the actual world championships marathon route in Daegu on July 9.
jeeho@yna.co.kr
(END)
