He proper plans! (8)

things changed for good. Local Athletics needs continuous promotion in every possible way. Selfpromotion is not your strength, trust me. Anyway, I knew that you only started training athletics since 2011 being the last year at the University whilst preparing for your thesis and dissertation. I think that preparing such a task is almost one of the most difficult issues you need to sort out prior to graduation and yet you managed to combine the two things with perfection! How did you manage to cope at that time to date?

The final year when I had the thesis and dissertation was a tough year, and I had to sacrifice some of my training sessions. These were still my initial track training days, and as yet had not invested a lot of my energy in athletics, so it was much easier to cope. However, I still felt the need to go to the track twice a week for a good mental break, and kept competing so that I could maintain my level.

I always tried to integrate in my life interests of different nature: architecture, studying, sports, and even music amongst other things! I believe that this makes one grow holistically as a person, and each discipline actually supplements and reinforces the other. Success or even setbacks in one discipline or the other all serve as a growing experience. This nurtures diverse abilities, and when you think of the benefits, it's much easier to cope and combine different tasks.

Luke, we all know that Athletics is an individual sport and timing is paramount. Athletes are more often than not judged by their timing rather than overall classification. Infact elite Athletes like you, are chasing MQS s for GSSE and CSSE all year round. The long distance running has improved in terms of numbers of athletes yet the National Records of the 5k and 10k have been unmatched for decades now. You are still a young athlete, do you really believe that one day you can aspire to break one or both of these records?

It is one of the driving forces. Seeing a record standing there immaculate for more than 20 years is extraordinary. It also says a lot about the standard of athletics in the 1990s when the level was so good. My coach Ivan knows a thing or two about those 5K and 10K National Records as it was one of his athletes, Ricky Baldacchino, who achieved those remarkable results. Ivan has already steered me to an impressive National Record this summer in the 3K Steeplechase, and I know it's very difficult to be close to those results, but I will most definitely give it a try.

I ran loads of road races and athletes vent views about the improvements of others and I do recall that at the beginning of this season, one guy who happened to be in Pisa told me that Luke has really impressed many and could have become a serious threat to Charlton Debono’s leadership and the rest. As things stood this season, the gap has been narrowed considerably especially on the track. Are we going to enjoy another formidable close tussle between you and Charlton next year? There is a good saying about athletics that to run all you need to have is a strong pair of legs but a stronger mind. I must say that your mental strength is second to none and these close duels are proof of it. What goes into your mind throughout the entire race following or leading by just a metre for 12.5 laps or 25laps for the 10,000m? Is it really a war of nerves as it appears from the outside? In International races, we are used to see a leading group of 5 or more runners, so mentally wise, athletes are less demanding but obviously the race becomes more physically. I reckon if races become in contention between 4 or 5 athletes would have faster times and saving energy on the physical rather than the mental. Do you agree or differ?

Running alongside Maltese greats like Charlton, Andrew just to name a few, is such an honour. I would never have thought of such progress when I started running 8 years ago. I hope we can have those great track races next year too, as I believe both me and Charlton stand to benefit from healthy competition. When running on track I only have one objective in mind, that of keeping my pre-determined pace, which could mean leading or following, it doesn't matter! I try to concentrate on my technique and rhythm while keeping a constant pace as much as possible.

It really turns in a war of nerves once you stop focusing on your performance and start focusing on other athletes, and these distractions do happen frequently. Approaching the last lap in a tight race is mentally tough, but it also ensures that I will leave no reserve and produce my very best.

I also agree with you that if the race is contended by 4 or 5 athletes, we would see faster times. I am positive that next year on track it won't be just me or Charlton, but other athletes will rise to the occasion. Things will be much more interesting, and I can't wait for such contests!

I always harp upon the dual career path which nowadays, I can tell through many athletes is proving me right. It is doable and it’s a great joy to me and to all. Being an elite athlete cannot for sure, sustain both the expenses and the energy needed if you don’t have a fulfilling career. I am hereby kindly asking your kind self to convey a message or advice to those athletes who might have doubt if they can manage the O and A Levels exams and tertiary studies whilst still practising their favourite sports.

My advice to youths is a simple one. Keep doing what you love, if you dream of becoming a firstclass athlete, you will become so. Plan your work and training, so student duties and exam preparation can be fulfilled just the same.

Young foreign athletes, like Jakob Ingebrigtsen, are an example of this. At the age of 17, the young Norwegian is the reigning 1,500m and 5,000m European Champion! What a success story, truly supreme! And, at the age of 15 he is juggling between school, studying and training. To put things in perspective, it is best to quote him directly: "It isn't like I enjoy waking up early but that is what it takes to be the best, so I do it". This speaks volumes of what a right mentality and maturity means. If students can manage this abroad, I cannot see why not locally. Parents play an important role in this as they have to be very supportive.

For me, very recent investments in sports schools locally is solid proof that sports and a sustaining career can truly go hand in hand. It shows that the government believes in this approach too. It is an educational model that has worked and brought to light very talented and intelligent individuals.

One last short question. What do you think should be done in local athletics to improve the performance of our athletes? As things stand we all know that starting from the 100m to the marathon distance, we are ages behind. Do you think of any feasible idea which could ameliorate the situation or at least curb to bare minimum the difference between us and the rest of the world?

I believe that first and foremost, it is up to the individual to take the effort along the right route. Extra commitment towards training and attention to details like resting, proper nutrition and avoiding late nights out are so essential. These sacrifices really give an athlete the cutting edge, and instil a great amount of focus. I also believe that an athlete has to be a role model in the way he behaves and acts to leave only positive influences. In this aspect I feel we are behind the rest of the world, and as a result we fail to improve as much as we should. A change in mentality is therefore the most crucial thing in my opinion.

Having said this, I notice that a greater pool of athletes is trying to take athletics to a new level with a good string of performances. These efforts deserve the best opportunities. The latest 10K road race was also a National Team selection for a Cross Country Challenge in Cardiff, set up by the Malta Athletics Association (MAAA). These are the sort of initiatives that help athletes set important targets and allow an experience growth in international competitions, and we need more of them!

Athletes aspiring to achieve a qualifying time for international races can do so more realistically when running with a good quality field. While a good option is to find races abroad, it is sometimes very complicated to make the required arrangements. The association may help by organising short stays for foreign athletes in Malta, who can compete in local events. In my case, for the most part of the season, I end up racing the 3K Steeplechase on my own, with each race being a tough time trial.

Such arrangements can be made for all middle and long distance races, and all local athletes stand to benefit. This latches on to another important aspect which is to have state of the art sports facilities, which is extremely essential to attract foreign athletes.

Being an architect, I cannot help but notice the deficiencies present in our training grounds. In my opinion, we need to enhance our existing sports infrastructure to include all the required ancillary facilities and to have a complete track facility at University. Various projects have been tabled, but the situation has remained the same for years now.

Luke, there are no words to describe my gratitude towards you and all my past and future interviewers who found the time and dedication to make all this possible. Other profiles will follow! These interviews are meant to unveil the sacrifices endured throughout the life of an athlete for those short moments called Victory!