Another disappointment - in Paris

July 3rd 2005 - Simon suffered another disappointment in Paris, where he had to quit the race already after 3 laps. This disapponting result followed a similar race in Hengelo (14th in 8.35) and a much better race in Leiria (European Cup, 1st in 8.31 after a tactical race).

"After Hengelo, I turned sick for over a week, and had a bleeding nose which had to be treated in hospital. I slowly recovered and 9 days later, I regained training. Things went fine with the European Cup and also the week after, where I felt very strong in training and also throughout the day. This continued until last Tuesday. Then again, on Wednesday morning, I felt a sore throat, another (short) bleeding nose, and then a cold got me again. I ignored it - hey I felt great in training, and a slight cold wasn't gonna take away a great race in Paris! But it was off course a msitake. I felt very energy-less throughout the day and my legs failed power. They felt "elastic". I should not have started", Simon analysed the day after the race.

Although there seem to be good reasons for not being able to perform (not being top fit in every-day life means that one cannot perform at all in top athletics), Simon stresses that it remains a question why especially this year he seems to be unfit and very vulnerable to things like colds, bleeding noses etc. "Obviously, my resistance is not in order. I can use that as an excuse, but it won't help me in terms of running fast".

Simon will first take it easy and try and become healthy again, before deciding on his next races and championships.

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