Victorian Scott Petersen hasn’t run in a competitive race since missing out on 2000 Sydney Olympic Games selection and now, 12 years later, he’s got the itch to hear that gun go again when he competes in athletics at the Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November) on the Gold Coast.
The former 1500m champion of Australia retired from elite level athletics in 2000 and made the switch to the sport of modern pentathlon which consists of five separate disciplines.
The 39-year-old admitted he only knew one of the disciplines before taking on the sport but made his way to the qualification stages for the recent London Olympic Games but unfortunately missed selection.
“I started athletics when I was five years old and went through all the age levels in little athletics to the qualifying stages for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games,” said Scott.
“When I missed out on Sydney I thought it was time for a rest and a new direction. I took up the modern pentathlon and came 16th in the 2012 London Olympic Games qualifications at the Asia/Oceania Championships.
“I guess the reason for entering the Pan Pacs was because I have the itch to be part of competition again. I haven’t competed in a race with a gun start for at least 12 years.”
Making the switch from athlete to pentathlete wasn’t a daunting prospect for Scott, rather it was a chance to learn new skills and mix up his previously monotonous training schedule.
“Going from being an athlete who had to run at least once a day every year, to waking up each morning thinking ‘What sport do I choose from today’ is incredibly fun,” said Scott.
“Running was the only skill I brought to the pentathlon so I was learning everyday. It wasn’t easy but it was really exciting.”
Scott will head into his debut Pan Pacs with the goal of taking home a medal and catching up with old friends he used to compete with back in the 1990s.
“I’ve been training a bit for the Games. I recently went on holiday in Noosa and went for some beach runs which should help me out a bit for the Beach Mile event,” said Scott.
“I’m definitely aiming to take home a medal. I’ve got the same sort of itch I had back in 1997. I’m also looking forward to meeting up with a lot of old friends and even competing against them.”
Partnering up with three-time Olympian Lee Troop, Scott has used his athletics experience to help other runners achieve their goals with his website Marathon Guru.
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not momentous for us.
