by Toni Minichiello

Jessica's Coach

Only days to go now!

With only days to go before the start of the heptathlon at the world championships, Jessica is entering the final preperation stage.

This preperation includes the World Championships trials where she competed and won the 100m hurdles and high jump. Then it was off to the Celtic Cup three days later to compete in the 200m and long jump. Both were great preparation for Jessica as we nearer the big one this month.

At this stage all previous competitions and performances count for nothing and the spotlight of the media focuses more on Jessica than ever before. With only 20 athletes having attained the 'A' standard and Jessica being the highest ranked britain at number 3 the "pressure" is on.

It is easy for coach and athlete to get distracted by all of this. The real focus is to score over 6400 and finish in the top 6, a good result for an improving 21 year old.

However, if 6400 points is good enough or close to a medal then who knows what might happen. If along the way PB's come then all the better, just "don't believe the hype".

                        Toni 

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