East London's long-distance running hope Lusapho April officially jetted off to Rio yesterday on his quest for glory at the 2016 Olympic Games.
April is taking part in the marathon running event for the second consecutive Olympics for Team SA and is gunning for a medal after a disappointing London event.
“I am excited for the games and I am relaxed and looking forward to getting there,” said April.
This will be the runner’s first time in Brazil and with it being a long flight to Rio, and it being expected to land at 1am SA time, 8pm in Brazil, April admitted he was going to get a bit of sleep in on the way.
“I think I will sleep most of the way so that I am ready to operate at Brazilian time when I get there.”
Upon arrival April will be checking in and get himself settled before having an early night so that he is prepared to get things under way tomorrow.
“I will start training tomorrow, I will need to get the blood pumping in my legs again and start getting ready for the race,” explained April.
“I don't expect it to take long to acclimatise and I think I will be able to get into the swing of things pretty quickly.”
While there it won’t be all work and no play for him and he will be looking to catch a few of the events that will be on show.
“I want to watch the 800m women and also the javelin events and then I will see what else I can fit in when I am there,” said April.
The men’s marathon event will be taking place on Sunday August 21 and April will be up against the world’s best as he challenges to be on the podium.
April jets in for place in the starting blocks
April is taking part in the marathon running event for the second consecutive Olympics for Team SA and is gunning for a medal after a disappointing London event.
“I am excited for the games and I am relaxed and looking forward to getting there,” said April.
This will be the runner’s first time in Brazil and with it being a long flight to Rio, and it being expected to land at 1am SA time, 8pm in Brazil, April admitted he was going to get a bit of sleep in on the way.
“I think I will sleep most of the way so that I am ready to operate at Brazilian time when I get there.”
Upon arrival April will be checking in and get himself settled before having an early night so that he is prepared to get things under way tomorrow.
“I will start training tomorrow, I will need to get the blood pumping in my legs again and start getting ready for the race,” explained April.
“I don't expect it to take long to acclimatise and I think I will be able to get into the swing of things pretty quickly.”
While there it won’t be all work and no play for him and he will be looking to catch a few of the events that will be on show.
“I want to watch the 800m women and also the javelin events and then I will see what else I can fit in when I am there,” said April.
The men’s marathon event will be taking place on Sunday August 21 and April will be up against the world’s best as he challenges to be on the podium.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos