Elyon Knighton is already In 2022, he will break eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt's world record in the 200 meters or less.
Now, the 20-year-old American short-distance phenom is on track to break Bolt's 200m world record of 19.19 seconds (Knighton's previous closest record was 19.49 seconds) and cement his name in history. All eyes are on the 2024 Paris Olympics as a global stage. History of track and field.
“I just go in there and compete to the best of my ability,” Knighton says of his high expectations for the Summer Olympics. “I know the work is already underway. Everyone wants to go there and win the gold medal, so I would say that's the main goal.”
Knighton traveled to New York with Icy Hot to show off his warm-up, training and recovery methods ahead of the Olympics later this summer.While there he spoke to men's health About what it's like to strive for years for an Olympic moment that lasts less than 30 minutes.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Men's health: What is it like to train for a record-breaking moment on the world stage at the Olympics?
EK: It's not that long, so I'm glad you brought it up.It's only a 19 second moment, so just give it your all. just 19 seconds…some people may not think that's a good result. Because that's only his 19 seconds. But when you run on the track, it's like 19 seconds…that's what we work for.
How do you wrap your head?
EK: All the work we put in is spent in a few short seconds to buy time. It's very difficult and it's not easy, but that's what comes with being the best player in the world.
What is the recommended exercise for 200m?
EK: My A skip, B skip, my high knee. They prepare me.
my accelerator [controlled burst drills], I like to do them right before a race. I think that's probably the best thing I can do right before you run.
How do those drills affect your running?
EK: Raise your knees high, press the gas, do a few block starts, and you're ready to go. They are preparing the body, warming the body, and energizing the body.
What kind of daily life are you spending leading up to the Olympics?
EK: We practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.Those days all consist of weight room [work] And I'm on the track every day.
I'll go to practice around 10 o'clock. [a.m.]. I think it will probably end around 12:30 or 1:00. And the weight room will probably last an hour and a half. That's what happens when you get in there and do what you're supposed to do. [Every day] There are different movements, different body parts, and different areas are strengthened. In other words, it's not like you train your whole body every time you go to the weight room.
I wouldn't be so eager to hit the weight room right before I run. [or] Just like any other day. So it gives me a little bit of time to recover.
No practice on Wednesday.I have [massage] Wednesday therapy. I felt great the next day and continued that way until Thursday and Friday. I have the whole weekend off.
Here are some important exercises you can do in the weight room.
EK: Clean out the blocks, prepare some cores, and prepare a bench [press] I want to eat Nordic food too. [curls]a hamstring strengthener.
What is your pre-event meal?
EK: Most of the time I try to get pasta into my body. I try to eat light foods like noodles. I don't eat steak because it stays on my stomach for several days or takes longer to digest.So I eat pasta and salmon or fish for a few hours [before].
Once you're done running, you can get whatever you want and whatever you feel like.
You made your debut as the fastest indoor 200m in February. Describe your recovery after such an event. Does it start right after that?
EK: Once you're done, try to find something right away. That's where Icy Hot comes into play. Because it's literally in your bag. So I apply it and it… is able to hold me until I get a massage. So after I put this on, I cool down, go find a massage therapist, and my face turns red.
You're from Tampa, Florida. Has the warmer weather influenced your running style?
EK: I feel that just training in the heat 24/7 is really effective. In other countries, many people have to train indoors just because it's so cold. Many people don't know how to deal with the heat.
What does it mean to you to bring home a gold medal at these Olympics?
EK: Just for the work I put in, it means everything to me. Everyone is working on the same task and everyone wants the same goal.