Posted: August 6, 2005

Athletics: Sanchez - "I'm Going To Run With The Pain."

By Bob Ramsak, Track Profile

© 2005 Track Profile all rights reserved TrackProfile.com

HELSINKI, Finland -- Minutes after his runner-up finish to American Bershawn Jackson in the opening round of the 400 meter hurdles, two-time defending world champion and reigning Olympic champion Felix Sanchez gave a frank assessment of what it will take to become the event’s first three-time champion.

It’s really painful,” Sanchez said, pointing to a protruding bone on the side of his right foot. “Everything around the bone is really painful. I’ve had an MRI and I’m going to have to have surgery to shave the bone down. But until then, I’m just going to run with the pain.”

The 27-year-old Dominican, who tallied 43 consecutive wins in the event (including heats) from 2001 through 2004, has been struggling with injury all year, and has only competed twice in his specialty. His 49.47 performance, 13/100s of a second behind Jackson, was a season’s best.

“It’s really painful,” he reiterated. “But I’m just in too good of shape to just stay at home and watch them run this race. I’ve trained so hard and I’m in great shape. I just want a chance to do my best here. If they’re going to take my world championship, they’re going to do it here while I’m here, and not sitting at home watching it on TV."

Despite the pain, Sanchez said he has more in store in Sunday evening’s semi-final.

“That race was technically horrible from start to finish. I’m very pleased to be able to pull off what I did. There was no need to fight for first place. I’m going to save all the fighting for the final.”

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