By MIKE KEMMETER
of The Gazette
Stevens Point Area Senior High School graduate and 1996 Olympian Curt Clausen is really hitting his stride in 1999.
Thanks
in part to a new coach and a full-time training schedule in California, the racewalker is smashing records and
is looking forward to the World Championships in Spain next month.Clausen, a 1986 SPASH grad, broke the 50-kilometer American record twice this year and shaved over seven minutes off of the previous record holder. Clausen's time of 3:48:04 at the World Race Walk Cup in Mezidon, France, May 2 shattered his previous mark by six-and-a-half minutes.
And at the end of last month, he kept his streak of record breaking intact, setting the U.S. National Championship meet record in the 20K June 27 (1:23:34) at Eugene, Ore.
With the Sydney, Australia, 2000 Olympics a year away, the former Panther is considering trying both races in the games. He is currently ranked 11th in the world in the 50K.
"There's a chance I'll do both," Clausen said. "But internationally, I think the 50K is my best chance for a high place and a medal.
"My goal is going to be the 50. Doing the 20, I'm not going to rule it out. It will depend on how I do next spring."
A big reason for Clausen's success this year is his new coach, Enrique Pena. Pena coached 1996 20K Olympic gold medallist Jefferson Perez. Perez is also training with Clausen and the United States contingent at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif.
"It's just sort of a fluke," Clausen said about getting Pena. "We approached him last July and fortunately we had a nonprofit organization go and pay his salary. The timing was right."
Clausen credits Pena for making technical adjustments with his racewalking form, especially getting Clausen to use his hips more.
"I was always very tense in my arm and shoulder areas. The hip action allowed for a longer stride," he said. "It's never been better. Now I'm more relaxed while walking."
What isn't as relaxed is Clausen's training regimen. Under Pena's guidance, Clausen and his U.S. teammates have 12 sessions a week with no days off.
But Clausen isn't complaining, especially with his recent success.
"The main thing is I'm a full-time athlete right now. (I'm) finally reaping the benefits of full-time," he said.
"It's a big time difference being 50th in the world (in the 50K) to 11th right now. We're just working harder than ever."
Cutting-edge technology is helping Clausen's training as well. Using monitors and regular blood testing, Pena is trying to get the most out of his racewalkers.
"We make sure we're training hard enough," Clausen said of the new technology.
Clausen is hoping the extra effort will pay off in late August at the World Track and Field Championships in Seville, Spain. He'll compete in the 50K; and, despite expected hot and humid conditions, Clausen is looking for a Top 10 finish.
"My main goal is to place. I was 11th at the World Cup, so I hope to crack the Top 10," Clausen said.
"I want to finish higher if possible, but my minimum goal is going in is Top 10. We'll see how the race plays out."
Before that, Clausen will racewalk in the Pan American Games Monday, July 26, in Winnipeg, Canada, where he'll compete in the 20K. He'll square off with teammate and training partner Tim Seaman there.
"We've been flip-flopping all year," Clausen said. He won Nationals last year. I got him this year by eight seconds so it was a close race."