Athletics: Bigger strides see Ambler's times plummet

David Ambler is hoping to see his consistent 100m improvements provide results in Wellington. Photo / Christchurch Star

Christchurch sprinter David Ambler is hoping an intriguing combination of huge strides and small steps will continue to provide results at this weekend's national track and field championships in Wellington.

Ambler has had a meteoric rise over the last 12 months, culminating in a personal best 10.35s over 100m two weeks ago.

Yet just on a year ago, his fastest time was a somewhat more pedestrian 10.81. Ambler was indistinguishable from a crop of second-tier sprinters struggling to keep up with experienced speedsters James Dolphin and Chris Donaldson.

The personable 19-year-old admits being a little taken aback at the speed with which his times have plummeted, particularly his 10.35, which broke the 35-year-old stadium record at Christchurch's QE2 Park set when Jamaican Don Quarrie won 100m gold at the 1974 Commonwealth Games.

"I've probably achieved more than what I set out to at the beginning of the year," said Ambler. "I would have been happy with running 10.45."

Ambler linked with Canterbury coach Andrew Maclennan just over a year ago and the partnership has been productive.

"I've just got a lot more strength this year," Ambler said.

"But you can have all the strength in the world, but if you aren't smooth, you're going to lose that speed. And rhythm is very important."

An indication of Ambler's increased strength is apparent in the number of strides he takes to complete the 100m - video analysis has shown around 48, noticeably fewer than before.

The big strides Ambler is making on the track are in stark contrast to the philosophy Maclennan and his charge are taking in their long-term approach.

When it comes to setting goals, Maclennan advocates taking small steps.

Last weekend's Australian national championships - in which Ambler finished a highly creditable third in 10.41 - was one. Friday's 100m national championship final in Wellington is another.

After that, Ambler is off in July to the World University Games in Serbia where another incremental improvement, maybe another tenth of a second, could see him in contention for a medal.

Then there's Donaldson's resident record of 10.27, the world championship A and B qualifying marks (10.21 and 10.28), or even Gus Nketia's 15-year-old national mark of 10.11.

"There are lots of little carrots just in front of his 10.35, which is great," said Maclennan.

Ambler's two main strengths are playing a big part in his chances of reaching those intermediate goals, Maclennan added.

"He's been amazingly consistent, which is really pleasing ... Every time he goes out on the track he seems to be able to produce something very close to his best time.

In terms of long-term improvement, it's always good if you can produce consistent performances instead of being up and down."

Ambler's other key attribute is his zest for competition, Maclennan said.

"The thing that really stands out for me, and sometimes people don't see it as a big deal, but he loves competition.

"It's good to be able to train and work hard, but when you get into a competitive environment, sometimes athletes freeze. They get a bit nervous and can't produce their best, but he really thrives on it," Maclennan said. "He loves the fact that with a lot of people around, it'll push him to a high level."

Ambler agrees: "I love the big competitions, it's great really testing myself."

Selection for the world championships in Berlin later this year gives this weekend's nationals in Wellington added importance, as athletes strive to reach A or B standards.

Olympic gold medallist Valerie Vili will be starting in the women's shot put, despite having already been named for Berlin. Nick Willis, 1500m bronze medallist, is the only other athlete named, but an injury means he won't be competing this weekend.

Among others to feature will be decathlete Brent Newdick, who won the Australian national title last weekend with 7618 points, just short of his personal best 7682.

Sprinter Monique Williams will be attempting another sprint treble and looks in top form after running 22.98 to beat Kim Robertson's national 200m of 23.13, set in 1978.

- NZPA