Mullings casting all demons aside

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Jamaican Steve Mullings has every reason to be confident of his chances to make the country's team to this year's IAAF World Championships in Athletics, to be held in Daegu. After all, he is the owner of the fastest time in the 100 metres, 9.89 seconds, so far this year and the fourth fastest in the 200m (20.15).

However, the stocky sprinter is taking nothing for granted heading into this month's Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships, as he is more than cognisant of the talent that he must overcome if he is to make one of the three individual spots available in each event.

"Confidence? I don't think, the way Jamaica's trials is gonna be, that I will only need confidence," he laughed to The Gleaner shortly after his 9.97 seconds second-place finish to double world record holder Usain Bolt earlier this week at the Ostrava Golden Spikes meet.

"I think it's going to be very interesting to see those times at trials because Jamaica has some of the fastest athletes in the world and there are only three spots that we have to fight for. So to go to trials with just confidence alone and not put in the work to make the team is an understatement. I am going there to do my best and pray that I am one of the athletes going to Daegu," he further resolved.

Mullings has made significant strides under the tutelage of renowned coach Lance Brauman and has flourished alongside his training partner Tyson Gay - the second-fastest man on the planet, behind Bolt, as well as his countryman, the impressive Nickel Ashmeade.

Solid start

The 2009 IAAF World Champion-ships in Athletics relay gold medallist, who says that he is not surprised by his solid start to the season, reports that he has been working on the first part of his race and had high praise for Gay and Brauman, whom he credits for his improvements.

"I am not surprised at all. I have been training real hard and working on certain things, and my times so far have proved that it will only get better," said Mullings. "I have been doing a lot of different weight-room training and is more focused on the track and more patient when it comes to my start.

"I have been focusing on execution and my drive phase. I am still learning how to react and not to rush my races," he added.

"Tyson is a great training partner and he pushes me in practice. When I think about this being my breakout year, I don't put that in the forefront of my mind. I feel as though if I stay healthy and maintain my form throughout the season then I am certain that my times will be good and I will end the season healthy, which has been a problem for me," said Mullings, who also confirmed that he will be running both the 100m and the 200m at the trials this year.

Having bounced back from a 2004 drug ban for testosterone, Mullings has cast his demons aside and underlined his determination to move beyond the negativity that have followed him since his setback. It's time to move on, says the 28-year-old.

"It seems as if everyone cast a shadow over my head because of that incident. People always try to throw that in my face and I have overcome all the rumours and negative slander that was bestowed upon me. I am very determined and I have a strong support system ... I put all of that behind me, and what I am thinking about now is the future and staying healthy and just try to have a great season," Mullings affirmed.