United Kingdom, Middle-Distance Runner January 20, 1978
Michael John East is a retired middle distance athlete. His best result came in winning the 1500 metres gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. As of 2009 he is the last British male to win a major 1500m title.
Deciding on when to kick is crucial and depends on how the race is unfolding.
If you go too soon, you can come unstuck with 50m left when the guys are going past you.
It probably won't sink in until I've retired from running but I'm a much better athlete than two years ago.
Stepping up a gear during any race is not an easy thing to do.
I first discovered my turn of pace when I was playing football as a kid.
So when you put the kick in and the other runners go past you, it's game over!
I could produce spurts of speed and after taking up athletics I found myself running quite quickly over 400m.
If you see swarms of guys coming around you, you have to try and avoid being stuck on the kerb.
If it's a slow race you have to be on your guard. You have to be patient, but I prefer that.
It is a natural gift I was born with but it's something I've had to nurture in training.
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