Peacock has world record in sights at London 2017
PARALYMPIC 100metre hero Jonnie Peacock thinks rival American Richard Browne’s world record 10.61sec is well within reach — and the Brit is aiming to beat that time this summer.
Five years on from London 2012, sprint star Peacock is preparing to set foot on the Olympic Stadium track once again when the World Championships come to town in August.
Peacock, who won the 100m title at London 2012 and Rio 2016 as well as the 2013 Worlds, realises conditions in the capital will go against him but the 24-year-old believes he is at the peak of his powers.
‘I don’t think it’s a record that is unattainable,’ said Peacock. ‘It’s only a matter of time before it goes.
‘Training this year has gone better than it has any other year. I feel like I can do some damage. I’m just looking forward to getting back in that stadium — the stadium where it all began.
‘My training has been very, very good — better than it ever has been. I ran 10.68sec last year and I feel as though I’m in a much better position now than I was then.
‘When it comes to world records, all it comes down to is if you’re in decent form, then once you get the right temperature, the right wind, the right surface, then it will come.
‘But a 10.50 run is a very, very strong time. We’re going to need the right conditions.
‘Browne’s 10.61 was set in Doha, at about 45 degrees, which for performance and power is a massive advantage. It’s going to be a bit harder in about 20 degrees but I’ll give it a good go.’
Peacock is also preparing to take part in the Superhero Tri Series as a member of team npower on August 19 — the UK’s only sport series for people with disabilities and long-standing illnesses.
His attention will then turn to the World Championships in London, which will be the biggest sporting event seen in the capital since the Olympics.
It is safe to say Peacock is ambitious — given this year’s best time of 10.76sec left him unhappy.
‘I made a couple of mistakes in that race,’ he said. ‘At the end of the day it was still my second fastest time ever. It’s still an improvement but I know there’s still a lot of work to be done.
‘That’s a good thing — when you can run fast and it’s still not where it should be. I’d rather take that than run slow and be the best I’ve got.’