Weeks after renowned amputee William ‘The Conqueror’ France indicated that he wanted to see national race walk champion Rudolph Mitchell compete overseas, he reported yesterday that his training to realize this dream was proceeding smoothly.
France told Stabroek Sport that they have embarked on a strict training regimen in the sand hills alongside the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. He said also that he is satisfied with the progress his charge is making.
France, who is also preparing for the New York Marathon next month, said that they have been training three days per week, interchanging the distances they walk. France said that he was impressed when Mitchell walked 13 miles in a time of 2:11.6, which is the distance for the half marathon.
Mitchell, who has 102 consecutive wins, has commenced this training for his first full marathon on the Corentyne Coast from Number 43 Village on October 29. This walk will ensure that Mitchell has an official time to present to organizers of the Barbados Marathon in December and then another meet in Brazil in February next year.
Mitchell had earlier noted that he recently walked 47 miles in just over nine hours. Mitchell also defeated Dennis Burns and Andre Richardson, two notable amputees who participate around the Caribbean and further afield, at the William France 16th Annual Fitness Walk last month.
However, when Mitchell was contacted he admitted that when he first started the training his conditioning was not of the best but in the two weeks it has improved considerably. He said that he has also been working on improving his technique.
The barefooted athlete has also been training in boots especially since this is a requirement at the international level. It was also stated that nothing has changed with regards to his diet, which includes “drinking a raw egg, Guinness and eating the regular creole foods.”
On the other hand, France also stated that he will be registering Mitchell for the Annual Boston Marathon in the United States on April 21, 2010. He said that he will be soliciting the help of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure this becomes a reality for the veteran walker.
France said that he will be using his clout to help Mitchell get the opportunity to compete in that meet. He noted also that some persons, who prefer to remain anonymous at this time, have committed themselves to helping the 47-year karaoke disc jockey. France reasoned that if persons would recognize what Mitchell does as an athlete, he too can secure sponsorship in the same way as when he started walking competitively as an amputee. (Marlon Munroe)
