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| European 100m champion Verena Sailer of Germany. |
After more than seven months out of action while she recovered from a hamstring injury, Germany's 2010 European Athletics Championships 100m gold medallist Verena Sailer returned to action at the weekend.
The Mannheim-based sprinter clocked times of 7.33 in the 60m heats and then 7.34 to win the final at the Baden-Würtenberg regional championships in Karlsruhe and restore her confidence ahead of the defence of her continental title in Helsinki this summer.
Talking to the German athletics federation website www.leichtathletik.de (the original interview in German can be read here, Sailer confirms she intends to defend her European crown, the indoor season and her feelings about her 2012 debut.
Q: With European Championships and Olympic Games in the same year, is it possible for you to focus on both events?
A: I would definitely say that the season has two highlights for me. The European Athletics Championships has a great importance for me. It (two major championships) is a whole new situation for the European sprinters but the situation is the same for all athletes. Everyone has to deal with it. I will plan accordingly so that I can peak twice.
Q: What are your plans now for the indoor season?
A: I definitely want to run in a few more meetings and compete at the German Championships to see where I stand, how things look like from the times and the results.
Q: What about the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul?
A: First of all, I must run the qualifying standard (7.24) in order to even be able to be eligible to run in the event. However, I have to say, the competition does not come at a good time for me and my plans. Given the fact that the major competitions of the outdoor season are very early this year, planning this year is somewhat different to other years. Therefore, I have to sit down with my coach, and will then consider whether, depending on how my training is going, whether it makes sense to go there.
Q: As you have been racing for the first time after a long lay-off due to injury, how did that feel?
A: Actually good. I am especially glad that I am well prepared and have come through the winter completely pain and injury-free. However, I was really nervous before the race, all last week I was excited. After all, It's been almost eight months since my last competition.
Q: Were you satisfied with the outcome?
A: With the competition overall, I'm satisfied. Sure, I would have liked to run a little faster but there is more to sprinting than just putting your blocks in place, waiting for the gun and then running; and that's why I want to do more indoor competitions so that I can get back into the rhythm again. After such a long competitive break, I did not know exactly where I stood. However, the outing has felt all right so now I've got a foundation to build on.