GB TRIATHLETE CLARKE QUALIFIES FOR BEIJING
Will Clarke is one of the latest young Brits to have qualified for August's Olympic Games in Beijing - and the star triathlete can't wait to go for gold.
Cambridgeshire-born Clarke - the British No2 behind Tim Don, who will be competing in his third Games - is the current Under-23 World and European Champion, and has a habit of somersaulting to victory.
"The somersaulting is something that the crowds enjoy," grins the 23-year-old who flew to Austen, Texas, last week to begin climate training for China. Next week he competes in the Des Moines World Cup in Iowa, where the winner will take home $250,000.
Clarke ensured his qualification for Beijing last month after coming sixth in a weather-affected race in Madrid in which less than half the field completed.
"The heavens opened when we were running after the swimming and cycling and people began to drop out," Clarke continues. "Only 30 out of 65 starters finished and the temperature had dropped to only seven degrees.
"But I managed to finish and my family were all really relieved and it's a great feeling to know that I will be an Olympian. It's lucky I qualified as my parents booked their flights before it was confirmed I was going.
"The Olympics is the biggest prize you can get in sport. It will be a fantastic experience and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm hoping to get some words of advice from Tim.
"But of the 55 guys who race, 52 go away disappointed that they haven't won a medal. So I will go there and give it my best shot and try to get as close to a medal as possible.
"Whatever happens, I will go out there and enjoy it. The experience will be great so I can learn what you need to do - then I can get a medal in London 2012, hopefully."
Clarke, Don (30) and Alistair Brownlee (20) make up the British triathlete trio heading to Beijing. But first they will be put through their paces in the heat of Texas.
Clarke says: "There is a lot of banter between all of us British lads. But there are times when we have to give each other our own space.
"Out in Austen it will be 38 degrees every day - we will be out there training in that heat and then we go to Des Moines. It'll be perfect practice for Beijing.
"A lot of my main competitors will be also be at Iowa. It's a big money race too - $250,000 for the winner.
"The Kiwis won gold and silver in the last Olympics and they're still strong this year and the Aussies are always strong. It's going to be really tough Games; there are probably about 15 guys that can win it."
And Clarke, whose girlfriend Claire will be out in Beijing staying with the blond star, has an interesting take on ensuring his energy levels remain high.
He added: "Never have sex for three days before a race - that is my rule. It makes a big difference if you do. You will wash it all down the pan if you have some fun the night before."
Will Clarke is one of the latest young Brits to have qualified for August's Olympic Games in Beijing - and the star triathlete can't wait to go for gold.
Cambridgeshire-born Clarke - the British No2 behind Tim Don, who will be competing in his third Games - is the current Under-23 World and European Champion, and has a habit of somersaulting to victory.
"The somersaulting is something that the crowds enjoy," grins the 23-year-old who flew to Austen, Texas, last week to begin climate training for China. Next week he competes in the Des Moines World Cup in Iowa, where the winner will take home $250,000.
Clarke ensured his qualification for Beijing last month after coming sixth in a weather-affected race in Madrid in which less than half the field completed.
"The heavens opened when we were running after the swimming and cycling and people began to drop out," Clarke continues. "Only 30 out of 65 starters finished and the temperature had dropped to only seven degrees.
"But I managed to finish and my family were all really relieved and it's a great feeling to know that I will be an Olympian. It's lucky I qualified as my parents booked their flights before it was confirmed I was going.
"The Olympics is the biggest prize you can get in sport. It will be a fantastic experience and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm hoping to get some words of advice from Tim.
"But of the 55 guys who race, 52 go away disappointed that they haven't won a medal. So I will go there and give it my best shot and try to get as close to a medal as possible.
"Whatever happens, I will go out there and enjoy it. The experience will be great so I can learn what you need to do - then I can get a medal in London 2012, hopefully."
Clarke, Don (30) and Alistair Brownlee (20) make up the British triathlete trio heading to Beijing. But first they will be put through their paces in the heat of Texas.
Clarke says: "There is a lot of banter between all of us British lads. But there are times when we have to give each other our own space.
"Out in Austen it will be 38 degrees every day - we will be out there training in that heat and then we go to Des Moines. It'll be perfect practice for Beijing.
"A lot of my main competitors will be also be at Iowa. It's a big money race too - $250,000 for the winner.
"The Kiwis won gold and silver in the last Olympics and they're still strong this year and the Aussies are always strong. It's going to be really tough Games; there are probably about 15 guys that can win it."
And Clarke, whose girlfriend Claire will be out in Beijing staying with the blond star, has an interesting take on ensuring his energy levels remain high.
He added: "Never have sex for three days before a race - that is my rule. It makes a big difference if you do. You will wash it all down the pan if you have some fun the night before."
Labels: Beijing Olympics, Real Madrid, Triathlon, Will Clarke
