2014 IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE, DOHA – PRESS POINTS

Athletes have been arriving in Doha for several days ahead of the firstIAAF Diamond League meeting of 2014 and several of them who will compete on Friday in the Qatari capital faced the media at a series of ‘press points’ on Wednesday (7).

Christian Taylor, the London 2012 Olympic Games triple jump champion, is making 2014 his year to ‘mix it all up. Accordingly, the American will take part in the long jump on Friday.

“I try to mix it all up, 400 metres, long jump, triple jump,” said Taylor.

“I train to be an athlete. I tailor things towards Triple Jump, because this is my bread and butter and my passion, but I train to be the best all-around athlete in the world.

“It is also good for the longevity of my career, I am fairly young and I want to extend my career. For the 400 metres I’d like to break the 45 seconds barrier. I will be pleased to do over 8.20 on Friday and break my personal best. If I do that, my confidence will go out of this roof.”

Taylor’s US colleague Curtis Mitchell, who had a breakthrough bronze medal in last year’s IAAF World Championships 200m with a 19.97 career best, commented: “I’ve heard good things about Doha and I want to make a good performance, to have fun.  I just want to run fast and prove myself and to compete at the highest level. I want to (eventually) attack the US record in the 200 metres. I just want to keep healthy and put myself among the greatest.”

It’s also the first time in Doha for 33-year-old Ryan Wilson, who took 110m Hurdles silver in Moscow last summer.

“It’s the first Diamond League of the season and my first time in Doha,” commented Wilson. “I want to run fast, under the 13 second barrier; these three next years are the last championship cycle for me. I want to stay as fresh as possible and remain at the highest level.”

Ezekiel Kemboi, the Olympic Games 3000m Steeplechase champion in 2004 and 2012, is relishing a return to the Qatar Sports Club track.

“I always do well in Doha,” said the exuberant Kenyan. “I won here in 2009 and then wound up winning almost all of my races that season.”

Kemboi clocked 7:58.85 that year, the second fastest performance of his career. He’s confident that he can go faster at some point this season.

Asbel Kiprop, Kenya’s double IAAF World Championships 1500m gold medallist, will seek a second consecutive victory at the Qatar Sports Club but he is expecting anything but an easy race.