January 26: Malcolm: Don't expect too much
Doug Turner in action

Christian Malcolm believes he is not assured of victory in the 200m at this weekend's Norwich Union World Indoor trials in Birmingham. The Olympic 200m finalist, like many other British athletes who competed in Sydney, had a late start to his winter preparations.

And the 21-year-old has acknowledged he needs more race practice before reproducing the form that won him the European Indoor 200m gold medal last year.

"Don't expect too much of me this weekend," said Malcolm.

Christian Malcolm "I'm well behind the normal schedule because the Olympics were so late in the season last year. That meant I started my winter training at the beginning of November rather than the end of September/early October.

"I'll definitely need one or two races to get back into the swing of things. "

Malcolm, who surprised the world's fastest men by taking fifth in the Olympic 200m final, is hoping to make the Great Britain squad for the World Indoor championships in Lisbon. But even if he does not produce a string of consistent runs, he will not be pressurised into making the final squad.

"I'm not rushing into anything - including a decision on going to the World Indoors," said Malcolm.

"I've started the hard work in training but there's no point in rushing things."

The future for the Newport-born sprinter looks bright after signing a lucrative sponsorship deal with Japanese sportswear company Asics.

Doug Turner in action
Doug Turner: Will be after the automatic 200m slot
Malcolm is now coached in Cardiff by Jock Anderson and managed by former 100m Olympic champion Linford Christie, and he is being more selective about his races.

He will face stiff competition from World Indoor 400m champion Jamie Baulch, European Championship silver medallist Doug Turner and Allyn Condon in Sunday's final.

The first sprinter to cross the line will automatically gain one of the two places for the 200m, providing they better the 21.05 seconds qualifying time.

The other athletes will have until 27 February to impress the selectors.

"I do have a few races planned before that final date and if I don't win this weekend getting the second place will give me something to aim for," added Malcolm.

November 15: Back on track

Canada's Surin preparing for a return to competition

MONTREAL (AP) -- Canadian sprinter Bruny Surin, who aggravated a leg injury during the 100-meter semifinal at the Sydney Olympics, is getting ready to return to the track next week.

Since early October, the 33-year-old has been undergoing physio and massage therapy, and last week began visiting a chiropractor.

"I'm pleased with the progression," said Surin. "I've taken my time and haven't rushed my therapy. In another week or two, I'll be ready to go."

A recent magnetic resonance check of his lower back was fine, though another test two weeks ago to study nerve reaction showed a little lingering damage in his left hamstring, a trouble spot for years.

"It's nothing major," said Surin. "I want to be in good shape by the end of this month or early next."

In early December, Surin will fly to Miami for a pre-holiday training camp.

Surin's short-term plans include no serious indoor racing. And any thoughts of competing in bobsleigh are on hold.

"I'm still focusing on track and field and I expect 2001 will be a big, serious year."

On his outdoor schedule are the Francophone Games in Ottawa/Hull, Canada, and the world championships in Edmonton.

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