The first day in August was day one of training for the Dominican athletes in Peru as they get set to compete in the 2019 Pan American Games.
2018 Commonwealth Games medalist Thea LaFond and 2018 Commonwealth Games finalist Dillon Simon took to the field as temperatures got below 16 degrees Celsius. Despite the cold, both athletes put in several hours of training to get used to the conditions in Lima.
LaFond noted, “Well I do know when things are colder out or cooler out it’s a bit more difficult to get warmed up and I think it can take a bit longer for your body to get warmed up. But I think the trick is making sure you wear your layers, give yourself ample time to warm up and make sure that you also keep the right mindset. I think the cold weather always throws people off mentally and majority of this entire sport is all mental and we can’t risk lingering there.”
“So far I’m just so thankful for how kind and welcoming everyone’s been. I wasn’t sure what to expect but since we’ve been out here we’ve been treated like extended family and that’s amazing, especially when you’re traveling so far from home, to come into a new place and feel so warm even though the temperature isn’t so warm,” she added.
Both athletes arrived in Peru on Wednesday and had to adjust quickly.
“Got in late so I’m just shaking up the old knees and old hamstring and quads. Today is more of a light session, just getting back the feel of the technique…As I keep throwing, as I keep practicing, my cues will get back and I should be ready and I should feel better next week than I do today. More rest, more food, and more practice,” Simon said.
Simon will compete in the shotput on August 7 and looks to beat his own national record and secure a medal while LaFond will compete in the triple jump on August 9 and hopes to better her bronze medal finish in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
All the very best.