We begin our quest in finding GB's next possible Track medallist for Rio 2016.
On Track to glory: Jordan Bransberg of Skyrac AC
We spoke to middle distance's next big thing in Jordan Bransberg on his Track life and what he believes he has to do to make it to the Olympics!
Tracktics: Jordan thank you for being are first athlete for OnTracktoRio tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello Tracktics readers! I am an 18-year-old 400, 800 and 1500 meter runner who runs for Skyrac AC. Living in Leeds, I train 6 days a week, which incorporates 11 training sessions.
We spoke to middle distance's next big thing in Jordan Bransberg on his Track life and what he believes he has to do to make it to the Olympics!
Tracktics: Jordan thank you for being are first athlete for OnTracktoRio tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello Tracktics readers! I am an 18-year-old 400, 800 and 1500 meter runner who runs for Skyrac AC. Living in Leeds, I train 6 days a week, which incorporates 11 training sessions.
Tracktics: How many years have you been involved in the sport and what have you achieved?
I've been in the sport for just over 5years and I am extremely passionate about what I do!
My biggest achievement so far is running 1:48.97 for the 800m in a BMC Grand Prix. I also ran 1:50.31 in an indoor 800m race; this was the 4th fastest time ever by an Under 20 athlete. I’m also proud to have represented my country having an England school international vest and also a England Under 20 indoor vest.
Tracktics: What would you say makes you different from athletes that has got you to the standard you are today?
I was fortunate enough when I came into the sport of athletics that I was fast. Not fast enough to be a world class sprinter but once I built my endurance up the speed was there which allowed me to become a very fast middle distance runner. I think this is key as it had made me run the times I have achieved.
Tracktics: What do you do when your not on the Track?
I've been in the sport for just over 5years and I am extremely passionate about what I do!
My biggest achievement so far is running 1:48.97 for the 800m in a BMC Grand Prix. I also ran 1:50.31 in an indoor 800m race; this was the 4th fastest time ever by an Under 20 athlete. I’m also proud to have represented my country having an England school international vest and also a England Under 20 indoor vest.
Tracktics: What would you say makes you different from athletes that has got you to the standard you are today?
I was fortunate enough when I came into the sport of athletics that I was fast. Not fast enough to be a world class sprinter but once I built my endurance up the speed was there which allowed me to become a very fast middle distance runner. I think this is key as it had made me run the times I have achieved.
Tracktics: What do you do when your not on the Track?
I’m a massive Leeds United fan and I go to some of the games.
I look forward to rest days where I play the guitar and have been thinking of forming a Rock band which will be named "Runners" or if anybody can think of a better name let me know!
I'm also county standard at Tenpin Bowling and Pool.
Tracktics: Who has been your idol on the Track and how have they inspired you?
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| Front runner: Bransberg is growing year on year |
Dame Kelly Holmes inspired me to start athletics after watching her on TV winning her double gold medals in Athens.
My hero has got to be the Great British middle distance athlete Peter Elliott. From Yorkshire like myself, he is a front-runner when it comes to races a style of running I like to copy. I have been lucky enough to meet Peter Elliot and he has been extremely encouraging this is due to my coach who trained with Peter for over 6 years back in the 1980s and has told me some great story of what they did and how they did it.
Tracktics: How would you improve the sport to appeal to more people?
My hero has got to be the Great British middle distance athlete Peter Elliott. From Yorkshire like myself, he is a front-runner when it comes to races a style of running I like to copy. I have been lucky enough to meet Peter Elliot and he has been extremely encouraging this is due to my coach who trained with Peter for over 6 years back in the 1980s and has told me some great story of what they did and how they did it.
Tracktics: How would you improve the sport to appeal to more people?
Athletes and coaches at grassroots level need to be financially rewarded based on results. Officials need to be rewarded better for an excellent job they do. Selectors also need to be more accountable for their decision-making especially when their decision can make or break your career.
Tracktics: At the age of 18 do you see Rio as an aim in your career and if so what would be a realistic achievement?
Anything is possible in this sport if I put myself to it, I would like to run 1:47 outdoors for the 800m in 2013. Then each year I would like to drop a second therefore by 2016 in Rio year, I should be in 1:44 shape and then we will have to wait and see what happens.
Tracktics: Finally if there was a message you could give to upcoming athletes what would it be? -
Work on your speed first then add endurance. Don't do it the other way round. Always try to make your strengths stronger and improve your weaknesses.
If you wish to follow Jordan on Twitter
Or for his races & advice.
To look at all Jordan's competitive race results!
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