(Image source from: timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

The Athletic Federation of India (AFI) is thinking to organize a camp for distance runners in Ooty after the return of mid-distance runner Jinson Johnson from Colorado, Springs, USA.

Jinson, a 1500m runner training under coach Scott Simmons at the American Distance Project returned from USA last week and is undergoing treatment at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai as he is suffering from Achilles tendinitis on his left leg. Johnson will not return to USA after he has recovered and will be joining other distance runners in Ooty.

AFI’s high performance director Volker Hermann said, “we are planning to send all the distance runners to Ooty as soon as possible and begin a camp as a high-altitude location are suitable for them. Jinson found it difficult to train in sub-zero temperature in Colorado Springs and there is no point in sending him over there again.”

All the long-and mid-distant runners are training at NIS Patiala at the moment. AFI prefers Ooty and Bengaluru to organize a camp for the distance runners in the recent past times. Avinash Sable in attaining the same US camp is also being shelved. Avinash Sable is a 3000m steeplechaser runner and was all set to shift his training base to Colorado springs and has already received the visa as he was supposed to travel to USA this month.

“We wanted Avinash to train alongside Jinson in the USA. Since Jinson is not there anymore, we don’t want to send avinash there alone.also, we are uncertain if he will be able to adjust to the conditions there like Jinson,” Herrmann said.

Due to unfavourable climatic conditions in the USA and with Jinson’s return, AFI is not ready to send the TOPS athlete, who already booked his spot in the Olympics at the World Athletics Championships last month.

By Shrithika Kushangi