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"Once you're on the runway and you know it's time to go, you go and handle business," says the triple jumper.
Raise Your Game: What does it take to get to the top?
Phillips Idowu: I've got a really good team behind me. I've got a nutritionist, physiotherapists, doctors and a masseuse. I've got a new coach that I'm working with, so everything's going really well. I'm using a flotation tank every week and it all seems to be coming together nicely. I'm happy and it's just flowing.
RYG: How do you stay focussed whilst your competing?
Profile
Name:
Phillips Idowu
Born:
30 December 1978
From:
London
Event:
Triple jump
Achievements:
- Gold - European Championships, Barcelona (2010)
- Named men's European Athlete of the Year 2009
- Gold - Aviva British Grand Prix, Gateshead (2009)
- Gold - IAAF World Athletics Championships, Berlin (2009)
- Silver - Beijing Olympics, China (2008)
- Gold - World Indoor Championships, Valencia (2008)
- Gold - European Indoor Championships, Birmingham (2007)
- Gold - Commonwealth Games, Melbourne (2006)
- Silver - Commonwealth Games, Manchester (2002)
PI: Once I've done a jump that's it. I can sit down and talk to the other competitors. I'm pretty relaxed when I'm out there. I don't really zone out until I'm about to start my run up. I think it helps me that I can stay really cool when I'm sitting around between rounds. When I need to switch on I can.
RYG: How do you switch yourself on?
PI: Once you're on the runway and you know it's time to go, you go and handle business.
RYG: Do you have a routine that you go through before you compete?
PI: I'm not telling you that (laughs). I do like to wear my head and wrist bands, although I've won when I haven't worn them. There have been a couple of races where I've forgotten them or left them at home. I do panic a bit because, subconsciously, it's part of my routine to have them on. If that does happen I just need to pull it together and do what I need to do.
RYG: What advice would you give to young people wanting to get involved in sport?
PI: You've got to do something you enjoy. Don't be forced to concentrate on a sprint or concentrate on being a footballer. There are loads of sports you can try to suit your age, body type and weight. Find something you enjoy. If it's table tennis, if it's pool, snooker or darts, go out there and have fun with people. There's a whole load of things you can do out there.
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