The 2015 Hershey Canadian Indoor Championships take place February 20 to 22 in Montreal, Que. The event serves as a national championship for youth and junior age category athletes and will feature competitions with some of Canada’s national team athletes in Open events.
Dai Greene of Great Britain will be part of an international field going after the 600-metres World Record on Saturday, February 21. Dai is the 2011 IAAF World Champion in the 400-metre hurdles, silver medallist in the 4x400-metres with his British teammates at the 2009 IAAF World Championships, the 2010 Commonwealth Games and Continental Cup champion and a 2012 Olympic Games finalist.
Dai will be available to the media on Tuesday February 17 as part of the event’s official kick off and press conference. Details here.
AC: We’re excited that you are racing the 600-metres on February 21. What convinced you to make the trip and race in Montreal?
DG: I was planning on competing over 600-metres during the indoor season and when I heard about the field that was being assembled I was instantly interested. When I discovered that the track was new I was even more excited to be a part of it
AC: Along with your 2011 world 400-metre hurdles title, you are the British record holder at 600-metres. What do you remember most from that race in 2013 when you ran 1:16.22?
DG: I enjoyed competing against guys from the 800-metres. It was an enjoyable change from doing the hurdles. I finished the race with a personal best but felt I could have gone slightly quicker
AC: What role does the indoor season and this 600-metres race play as you prepare for a year that features the IAAF World Championships?
DG: My training has been focused on preparing for the indoor 600-metres. It will be my only indoor race. I wanted to test myself over the distance to check how my endurance is progressing ahead of the summer.
AC: You have had a number of injury setbacks since winning your world title in 2011. What have you learned about yourself and what advice would you have for others experiencing similar difficulties?
DG: It’s been very tough at times. As an athlete I just want to be fit and to compete at my best. Not being able to do that has made me a stronger person. My advice for others would be to plan out what training you can do, and make short-term goals that will help you refocus during an injured period
AC: What are your goals for 2015?
DG: My goals are to get back to my best and to compete regularly through the season. I will set myself specific goals for the world champs once the outdoor season begins
AC: Aside from the race, is there anything else you are looking forward to on your trip to Montreal?
DG: I’m looking forward to seeing the sites around the city. I'm hoping to catch a hockey game and experience what the city has to offer. I've heard good things from friends who have visited before.
For more on the event visit www.indoors.athletics.local
