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Goumri unphased by warm weather; satisifed with top three finish

Posted April 22nd, 2007 at 11:37 PM by Kristin Bland

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Live Race Coverage

The first words out of Abderrahim Goumri at the post-London Marathon press conference were of gratitude for everyone involved in this unifying race: “First I want to thank the people who work for this marathon, and for the journalists, and for my coach and manager and sponsor.” He then continued by emphasizing the immensity of the London Marathon and his impressive performance:

“The London Marathon is the biggest marathon in the world; it’s not easy. When you’re top three, you’re top in the world.”

Goumri will get 15 days to rest, but then its right back to training. Although he didn’t find the heat to be a major challenge, he was still feeling the effects of last month’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya:

“I was feeling very good at half way and further into the race I said to myself you have a good chance of winning this. With such a great field I feel honored to come this high up and I also believe I could have won if I hadn’t done the cross country.”

In discussing the strategies for today’s race, Goumri reflected on his strengths as a track athlete. This experience has enabled him to really push it despite the lingering fatigue from the World XC Champs and the wear and tear of the marathon:

“After the 40k mark I asked myself if I could win, because I am a fast athlete.” However, he continues, saying he was very tired at the end and that was why he didn’t drive to the finish, but to this he said, “It gives me push for next year.”

Commenting on the physical and mental demands of the London Marathon, Goumri concluded his statements by explaining that the best piece of advice he’d received before the race was from his coach, who said: “It’s all in your head.”