Okoro studies Dame Kelly to learn error of her ways

Posted: Tuesday 11th August 2009 | 17:32

From Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, in Monte Gordo

MARILYN Okoro will study tapes of Kelly Holmes as she bids to deliver on her promise at the World Athletics Championships.

SUNNY OUTLOOK: Marilyn Okoro will study Kelly Holmes for inspiration ahead of this week's World Championships in Berlin (Getty Images for Aviva)

Okoro paid the price for a spectacular tactical blunder at the European Indoor Championships earlier this year – and was given a verbal volley by head coach Charles van Commenee.

And it’s a lesson the 800m hopeful has vowed to learn in Berlin.

“In terms of my tactics I can always look back on my races and learn what I have done well and what I have done not so well,” said Okoro, who is in the Portugal as part of a preparation camp funded by British team sponsors Aviva.

“I’m planning on watching lots of old races in the next few days. We have got plenty of time for it here at the camp and I’ve got loads videos of Kelly Holmes and Maria Mutola to study.

“I know there are things to work on tactically and this year it’s been a focus more than ever before.”

Much has been made of Okoro’s domestic rivalry with Jenny Meadows and Jemma Simpson – who have both run quicker times this season.

Okoro was also third at the national championships in Birmingham but her 1.58.45 personal best from last year means she still considers herself the British number one.

“I think on the global scene I still tend to perform a bit better, so that tends to give me an edge,” she added.

“Ultimately I’m trying to beat everyone in the world, so I try not to focus on the domestic rivalry. Being the best in Britain doesn’t really mean that much.

“I definitely feel like I have the ability to be competing at this level. After Beijing I had some really good races and beat some of the girls who made the Olympic final.

“That is when you start to kick yourself a bit and think 'if only I could have got it together on that day'.

“I don’t want to come away from this championships saying the same thing."

Comments

agree with the below. well

Submitted by Matt C on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:58.

agree with the below. well beaten by simpson in crystal palace, and tactically unsound at the euros. still has it all to prove.

I think this girl has an

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 10:12.

I think this girl has an arrogant attitude and needs to learn to be gracious in her comments like her domestic rivals, who by the way, ARE both world class athlete. She needs to be just as respectful of them as she does her global rivals.