Macrozonaris fails to qualify for world indoor championships

Although he finished first, ahead of Hank Palmer (6.70) and David Pedneault (6.82), Macrozonaris fell short of the 6.60 standard needed to win a place on the Canadian team.

“The international bar is at 6.70, and I beat that. I’m proud of my times in the last few races. This past month, I’ve logged 6.68 and 6.66. These are good times,” affirmed the Chomedey athlete who added he’s not too disappointed for failing to qualify for the world indoors. “I was using the indoors to shape up for Beijing and the 100 metres,” he explained.

To qualify for the Olympics, Macrozonaris has to run the 100 in 10.13 seconds, a pace he’s not reached since 2003. He can also qualify by running two heats at 10.21. “It’s doable,” he says. “If I can’t run the 100 in 10.21, I don’t deserve the Olympics,” he candidly conceded.

The times (10.13 or 10.21 twice) must be reached before July 11, when the Olympic qualifying trials come to an end. For now, Macrozonaris is looking to defend his Quebec title in the 60 m, in Sherbrooke, February 29 to March 2. “I’m going for gold. I’m very confident of being the fastest at 60 metres.

Macrozonaris intends to begin training outdoors for the 100 m at the end of March. He wants to make the Canadian team in both the 100 m and the 4 x 100 m relay. “I plan to qualify early in the season,” concluded the sprinter who has been Canadian 100 m champion several times.

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(Photo:Martin Alarie)