Cairess sets sights on Paris Games
ATHLETICS Emile Cairess hopes he can follow training partner Phil Sesemann on the next step of their journey by also qualifying for the Olympics when he tackles the London Marathon again tomorrow.
Sesemann secured his place on the British squad for Paris after running inside the qualifying standard of two hours, eight minutes and four seconds at the Seville Marathon in February.
Cairess came sixth on his London Marathon debut last year, producing the best finish among the home athletes and also recording a third-fastest British men’s time.
The 26-year-old Yorkshireman feels in good shape to produce another solid display as he bids to join Leeds City club-mate Sesemann in the Team GB squad for Paris, with two more spots still to be taken.
“It was a great feeling to see Phil run 2:08.04. We have been training together for a long, long time,” Cairess said.
“When we first started training together, if somebody told us we could go to the Olympics together, it would have probably looked pretty unrealistic.
“We started training together nine years ago, so we have been on a long journey.
“Getting to go (to the Olympics) with Phil would be really special and I am so happy that he has been able to do it and secure his place.”
Cairess finished ahead of both Sir Mo Farah and Sesemann in the 2023 event, and has his sights firmly set on improving upon that display.
“My preparations have gone well. I have done everything I wanted to do in training and I am hoping for a good race on Sunday,” he said.
“I just want to progress from last year and think with the marathon, you have to take it step by step.
“I want to take the next step forward and make that progress again to be near the front of these big races.”
Cairess added: “I learnt a lot (from last year) in the build-up as well as the race.
“The main thing was just having patience - even if you feel good, just be patient and there is still quite a long way to go.
“I have had a full year really of training for the marathon now, rather than just 12 weeks. I have progressed a long way, so I am hoping to show that on the weekend.”