Asong wants to make up for below-par 2011 with European junior outing

By Ryan Walters, Sportsbeat

CLOVIS Asong might have missed out on one trip to the continent this season, but after reminding everyone of his skill at the English Schools' Track and Field Championships he's vowed to not let lightning strike twice next year.

ITALIAN JOB: Clovis Asong wants to make up for a disappointing 2011 by reaching the European Junior Championships next year

The 17-year-old 400m runner was strutted his stuff at the Gateshead International Stadium earlier this month, going on to collect senior silver with a season's best time of 47.25 seconds.

But rather than be in the north east, the Sale Harriers sprinter had instead hoped to be preparing in Spain for the World Junior Championships in Barcelona.

The reason he isn't is down to problems with his knees, the teenager having to pull out of the final at the trials last month after winning his semi-final.

But, after ending his season by climbing the podium, Asong is now ready to lock himself away and recuperate ahead of looking to blow this season's disappointment away by reaching Italy next year and the European Junior Championships.

"I was after the gold at the English Schools so I am not too pleased with the silver," said Asong.

"I have had problems with my knees and I ran well in my heat but after that they just went again and it really affected me in the final.

"I had to pull out of the world trials in the final because of my knees and at the Olympic Trials I couldn't do much because of the pain so it has been very frustrating.

"So now I am just going to try and take the rest of the season to rest the injury and come back stronger next season.

"Next season I have my sights set on the European juniors and hopefully I can get past my injuries and make it to that competition.

"I was hoping to be in Barcelona at the World Junior Championships but again it didn't work out because of my knees, which was disappointing. So next year I will be looking at the European juniors to get past this disappointment."

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