Ryan Brathwaite sets sights on Podium in London

“For me it is all about preparation.  It’s hard for me to predict how well I will do in a race. [In London] I am prepared to just run my PB and not worry about anybody else," said 24-year-old Ryan Brathwaite. Ryan continued, “I am just going out there, aiming for the podium and see what happens.”  After capturing the 110m hurdles title at the 2009 Berlin championship in a lifetime best of 13.14 seconds, Ryan has failed to recapture that magic and has been noticeably absent from the track scene. Ryan attributed his absence and sub-par performances over the past three years to injury and weight issues.  “I had a couple of injuries and I was a bit overweight,” he said.  Armed with a new coach, a healthy Ryan has resurfaced this season and is determined to capture more hardware. Barbados National Champ Again This past Saturday, June 23, Ryan successfully defended his 110m hurdles title at the Barbados National Championship. His winning time of 13.39 seconds was just 0.02 seconds outside the meet record of 13.37 seconds which he set back in 2009. “The victory was good.  I used the race to work on my technique. The track [surface] was very hard but still good. I was able to run just about the same time that I ran back in 2009 and I was able to go to Berlin and win a medal; so this for me, is definitely a good sign of things to come.” said Ryan. Training for London Ryan who has a season best of 13.29 seconds in the 110 hurdles which he established back in April 2012, is putting together his best season since 2009.  He currently trains in Orlando, Florida and is coached by former American sprinter Dennis Mitchell. Mitchell also coaches Justin Gatlin, Churandy Martina among others. “Training is going good and I have been working on my technique and speed,” said Ryan. “My speed is coming along very well. I was never big on speed; before joining (coach Mitchell), I would always focus on my technique but not my speed. Under coach Mitchell, it’s different for me and I am getting better and I am improving.” said Ryan. Mindset heading into London “Back in 2009 when I won the  world championship gold, it was an exciting moment for me. Last year at the Daegu world championship I was carrying a groin injury and an achilles injury.” Ryan reflected. “This year it's going to be pretty good for me, I just need to stay patient. I am injury-free and I am in very good shape. I am 100% prepared for London. My goal is to make the finals and to finish in the top 3. That is all I am thinking about.” An underdog back in 2009, Ryan seems to relish that role once again. “Keeping a low profile and being the underdog can lead to wonderful things,” he said.