Spikes01 Apr 2015


Words of Wisdom – Kim Collins

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Kim Collins

Sprinter Kim Collins boasts an incredible near 20-year international career. The Caribbean speedster gives us the words of wisdom he learned during his long and storied time at the top.

1. Training hard does not work

“Too many athletes train far too hard daily. The problem with this is that the body does not have any or enough time to recover. It is very rare that I train at 90-95 per cent in training. Very rare.

Training effectively has been the key to my longevity in the sport. My body is not burnt out.
”

Kim Collins

During this year's indoor season, Collins brought his 60m PB down to 6.47 – the world leading time for 2015

2. Be patient and become a champion

“Unfortunately, some athletes who enter the sport today have an 'I want it now' mentality. Some athletes do not want to take time and be patient to reach the top. An impatient attitude often does not work in the real world.

“I have been patient – winning three separate major international 100m medals on three separate occasions [world champs gold in 2003 and bronze in 2005 and 2011]. Me, I'm naturally patient and that has stood me in good stead through life. I'm not too worried about young athletes and their impatience.”

Kim Collins

Collins has won five world championship medals: 100m gold in 2003, and bronze medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m (pictured) between 2001 and 2011

3. Not everyone is cheating

“My college coach at Central Arizona College, coach Kurt Van Hazel, once told me 'if you're in this sport long enough, temptation to cheat will come your way'. I believe in a fair fight. I'm clean and I expect to race people who are clean too.

“Sadly, every top, middle or bottom athlete has been or will be accused of cheating. It is just the way it is, but to me that is a misconception.”