Son's performance

[guest]

My son is 12 years old. At a recent competition he won three gold metals in the sprint events with the following times:

100 m 11.74
200 m 24.06
400 m 56.92

I wonder how these times compare with other 12 year olds. So far he does not do any special training or get any coaching. What can he do to keep improving.

Vincent.

[George Payan]

Look for a successful youth team and coach. Ask yourself does the team and coach impart new knowledge, skills and ideas, improve fitness, direct activities and practices, generate positive approach, organize and plans, counsels and advises and willing to listen, learn and look for new knowledge.

[yolvin]

At his latest meet he won

100 m 11.94

200 m 24. 49

LJ 5.20 metres

Unfortunately there is no youth team close to where we live. He is a member of the local athletics club. However in the u14 grade there are only 2 or 3 runners including him.

[yolvin]

Latest results in the NZ North Island Secondary School Champs Junior Grade (u 14s)

100 m 11.59 first

200 m 24.05 first

LJ 5.71 metres third

[inflight]

Those are pretty good times for a 12 year old in any place, there are high school sprinters not running these times. As was mentioned try to get him with a coach in your area, if not continue to seek out advice here at this forum.

[yolvin]

Those are pretty good times for a 12 year old in any place, there are high school sprinters not running these times. As was mentioned try to get him with a coach in your area, if not continue to seek out advice here at this forum.

Thanks for your comments. Currently, he is in the off season for athletics and i splaying soccer. We are concentrating on him maintaining his fitness through our winter and just doing stretches along with his soccer training.

[yolvin]

The athletics season has kicked in again and he has just completed his first major competition - National Secondary School Championships. He came second in the 100 m junior division with a time of 11.36.

Very happy with this result as the junior division comprises athletes under 16 years as of 31 December. He is currently just 13 years so has another 2 years to run in this division.

[yolvin]

He ended the season with personal bests in the 100 m and 200 m

100 m 11.18

200 m 23.09

I feel his 200 m is a bit on the slow side compared to the 100 m. This is probably because of a lack of strength (he is still only 13 years). Are working on developing strength over the off-season. However, have decided that he will not do any weights or high level pylometrics because of his age.

Any suggestions.