byLarry EderNick Willis may be the the most dangerous miler on the planet. An Olympic silver medalist, and then, eight years later, an Olympic bronze medalist, Nick Willis continues, in his mid thirties, to be a player in each race he runs.
Nick Willis, 2016 NB Indoor GP, photo by PhotoRun.net
At the 2018 Millrose Games, in his sixth appearance at the iconic event, Nick Willis wants to win his first Wanamaker Mile. We wish him luck. The 2016 World Indoor bronze medalist, who nearly stole that race, has some serious speed and tons of experience.
Nick Willis knows when to move in the mile. He keeps his focus and moves late in the race, when he has worn out his competition. His strength and his speed are put to good use. Another fine example of an athlete coached by Ron Warhurst, one of our finest coaches.
Nick Willis, photo by PhotoRun.net
Watch Nick Willis closely in the Armory on Saturday!
Here’s a short interview with Nick Willis, thanks to Media Manager Nick Nicholas of the NYRR Millrose Games with our esteemed hurdler.
The 111th NYRR Millrose Games can be seen on USATF.TV from 11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturday and will be televised live by NBC from 4-6 p.m. There also is the USATF Cool Down show beginning at 6 p.m.
Go to NYRRMillroseGames.org to learn more about the NYRR Millrose Games and to purchase tickets to the Saturday, February 3, 2018meet.
To read the interview, please look below!
1. Is this the year you win the Wanamaker Mile?
Nick Willis: “I read a blog where that was the whole theme, the narrative about it. That’s why I’m back here. I probably wouldn’t have made the trip here with a three-week old child back home. My wife is back home with two young boys. It means a lot to me to try to win it in my sixth attempt.”
2. You’re training for the Commonwealth Games. You’re doubling, going for the 5,000m as well. In training for the 5,000m as well does that give you extra strength?
Nick Willis: “Yes. I spent all of the autumn putting in a lot of long, slow miles. I felt very sluggish. I thought, gosh, this stuff isn’t very fun. I feel like sleeping all day. It’s my vision of marathon training, I suppose. I was worried I’d be sacrificing some speed in terms of getting endurance. But suddenly about three weeks ago it clicked and I did a 400m time trial and it was the fastest I’ve ever done at this time of the year. Maybe I don’t need to give up on the mile so soon. We’ll have to wait and see. Every year is a learning experience. Asafa (Powell) has been paving the way for us. I’m 34 now and everyone tells me you lose speed as you age. But it hasn’t happened yet.”
