Doddington sprinter Jonnie Peacock back in action at Bedford International Games
Jonnie Peacock (right) who came second (10.8sec), alongside Gareth Hopkins (Cardiff AAC). Picture: Paul Sanwell / OP Photographic. - Credit: Archant
Paralympic, World and European champion sprinter Jonnie Peacock was in action for the first time since September yesterday.
The 22 year-old competed in two races against able-bodied athletes in the men’s 100m at the Bedford International Games. He finished second in one race in 10.80secs, just 0.03secs behind the winner. In his other race, he was seventh in 10.99secs.
Peacock will defend his world championship in Doha in October. His main challenger will be American Richard Browne, who beat Peacock several times last season.
He said: “I fully expected people to get quicker and quicker, I’ve got to just do my best to make sure that my game is at the best it can be. I’m pretty confident that right now we’re in a good place. It’s always going to drive me on.
“At the end of the day I love racing against the best in the world. I feel that last year was tough but it was what was needed. Richard had a great season, he’s still improving, he’s a good athlete and I always expect him to come out and perform well.
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“When it comes to the championships I know that I have got the ability to flick that switch and I will always have the ability to flick that switch.”
Peacock says his ultimate goal is defending the Paralympic 100m crown he won in spectacular style in London.
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He said: “I’m going to try and be as smart as I can this year to make sure that we are in the best possible position for Rio.
“Yes, we have got the World Championships and that’s something that I really want to perform well at but at the end of the day, the ultimate one that actually counts is Rio.”
