Kim Collins (centre) of Saint Kitts and Nevis is seen during one of the heats for the 100m race at the Daegu 2011 Athletics World Championships. Collins won two bronze medals - in the 100m and 4x100m in Daegu. The 37-year-old will be seen in action at the Doha 2013 Diamond League season-opener this Friday. In 2003, he became the world champion in the 100m. He represented his country at the Olympic Games four times, from 1996 to 2008.
DOHA: The 2013 outdoor season will be Kim Collins’ 19th year at the international athletics circuit.
For almost two decades, Kim has had a roller-coaster ride where the happy moments were far more thrilling than the disappointments for the 37-year-old sprinter, who comes from the tiny islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Collins made his international debut in 1995 competing for his country’s 4X100m relay team at the World Championships in Gothenburg.
The quartet from Saint Kitts and Nevis finished 23rd out of 24 teams in a national record time, 40.12, with Collins running on the final bend.
Eight years later Kim was crowned 100m World Champion; he won six more global events’ medals (indoors and outdoors), took part at 10 World Championships and ran at three Olympic finals.
He is now concentrating on his next target which is the Moscow World Championships.
But Before Moscow, the Doha 2013 Diamond League is calling Kim to commence another sprinting spree.
On this occasion Doha 2013 invited him to join an online chat on Organising Committee’s Facebook page and here is a summary of what he revealed to the athletics fans:
Question: Is this your first time in Doha?
Kim Collins: Yes, this will be my first time.
Did anyone motivate you to follow athletics?
KC: Athletics for me was an adventure. But it was amazing as a child watching persons like, Dennis Mitchell, Frank Fredericks, Linford Christie and so on. It was difficult to understand what they do while trying to keep as relaxed as possible.
How was your journey into athletics as a sprinter?
KC: It has been a life changing experience as a sprinter; from the start till now.
How come a small country like yours produced such a great athlete like you?
KC: I think all countries have champions hidden in them; tha thing is they have to be found and nurtured.
You have seen Carl Lewis competing, Maurice Green, Usain Bolt and many other great sprinters. Who do you rank higher?
KC: Bolt has commanded a lot more attention in the sport. So it would have to be him.
Do you feel anxious ahead of your race at the Doha 2013 Diamond League?
KC: I am not anxious but more so excited.
Do you think the heat in Doha could be an advantage for your performance?
KC: Yes, I heard the weather in Doha is very hot, so I am very excited. It’s hot every day in the Caribbean where I live and train so it’s okay.
What is your goal for 2013?
KC: My goal is to establish myself as a great sprinter.
Will you be competing at the World Championships this year?
KC: I am looking forward to the entire 2013 track and field season. If I make it to Moscow, that will be a big plus.
Any plans for you life after retiring from competition?
KC: I plan to become a coach after I finish competing.
Would you like your kids follow your career?
KC: I would like my kids to follow my career but I won’t force them.
What is your daily schedule?
KC: Monday to Friday, my alarm goes off at 4:45am to get to training, after training breakfast, then gym then back home.
What is your daily nutrition?
KC: My daily nutrition consists of fruits, vegetables; also chicken, meats, fish, brown rice, pasta and flour and lots of water.
How does one become a winner?
KC: Becoming a winner took a lot of honesty with training, and maintenance of the body.
Which other sports besides athletics do you like?
KC: I sometimes like to watch boxing. THE PENINSULA
