Hazel's total preparation

Louise Hazel: Sharpening up ahead of 2012

For Commonwealth heptathlon champion Louise Hazel, mental preparation is just as vital in the lead-up to the Olympic Games as being in strong physical shape.

The British athlete told Sky Sports: "The mental side of things is massive. I think the reality of it is that you can always turn up in physical shape but if you're not there mentally you never get the best out of yourself."

"I'm just trying to make sure I start to ramp things up now."
Louise Hazel Quotes of the week

Having already achieved the 'A' qualifying standard last year, the Birchfield Harrier is not under the pressure of some athletes.

However, she insists that the pressure still remains, adding: "It never really takes the pressure off- you always want to come out in any season and perform your best, so for me it's just about knowing I'm capable and able to compete at that level but also focusing now on peaking for the London Olympic Games.

"It's just a matter of showing some good form now.

"I know I've got seven-eight weeks before I need to be in the shape of my life so it's just a matter of sharpening up.

"We competed this weekend which gave us a really good indication of where all of my events are at."

Focus

With the Olympic trials coming up, at which Hazel will compete in the long jump and hurdle events simply as preparation for the Games, the promising athlete is focused on what needs to be done ahead of the main event.

"I'm just trying to make sure I start to ramp things up now. Now I know where I am technically I can start to add the finishing touches to my performance and really get out there and be very competitive and aggressive as well.

"I think we will possibly be doing the European Championships in Helsinki in three weeks' time so I'm looking to go out and do a heptathlon there.

"It's going to have a great training aspect as well as giving me the opportunity to be competitive and really rehearse my mental preparation as I go into London 2012."

Yamilé Aldama, Louise Hazel & Tasha Danvers were talking from a Mizuno photo-shoot staged outside the Japanese Gateway in Kew Gardens. The new Mizuno Seiei Collection is a perfect blend of ancient craftsmanship from Japan and advanced modern technology. Visit www.mizunoseiei.com