Anju chalks out Beijing plan

Ace long jumper Anju Bobby George8217;s recent performances may not have impressed many, but she and her husband-coach Robert have chalked out a comprehensive...

Ace long jumper Anju Bobby George8217;s recent performances may not have impressed many, but she and her husband-coach Robert have chalked out a comprehensive 11-month plan to achieve a podium finish at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Their build-up commences on October 15 at their training base in Bangalore.

Speaking about their plans from Bangalore, Robert said Anju has won a medal in the Asian Games and World Championships but not in Olympics, 8220;so we want to go all out this time8221;. At the Athens Games in 2004, Anju faltered after a bright start.

Robert said they will leave no stone unturned for a medal in Beijing. He said that October to May will be the preparatory period. There will be some low-key competitions too. Anju may participate in the Asian Indoor meet in November. Thereafter, each of the six months till May, says Robert, Anju will take part in at least one competition. 8220;All the competitions will help us gauge the progress,8221; he said.

However, Anju will skip the world indoor competition in March, because till then only low key meets will be attempted. But she has decided to participate in domestic competitions, including the National Games.

From April, the ace jumper will also make her appearance on the European circuit. This, however, will be restricted to a few competitions. 8220;The main idea is to build up for the big day and not to get exhausted too early in the season. It could hamper results in the Olympics,8221; he said.

In 2007, Anju had missed the European, and IAAF Grand Prix meets. This had affected her world ranking. From fourth in 2004, Anju had slipped to 20th in 2007.

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Anju will compete till July. In the last two weeks before the Olympics, there will be mild training to maintain fitness. Bangalore will remain the training base.

Prior to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Anju had gone to South Africa. But due to inclement weather conditions, she had fewer training sessions than expected and it was not a productive trip. In 2007, shifting to Italy and Germany for indoor training didn8217;t work either. 8220;We don8217;t want to take any risk this time. Though some modern facilities are missing, we8217;ll manage,8221; Robert said.

Robert said Anju has taken a necessary break and she is feeling pepped up and raring to go. 8220;Anju is capable of doing the 7m jump. Maybe she will do it in the Olympics.8221;