Nicolas Macrozonaris has confirmed he will be attempting to represent Canada in a third event at the Athens Olympics next year, the 200m.

Preparing for the 200m has been a focus of Nicolas' off-season to date. Working primarily on plyometrics and strength training this fall he will put his early preparations to the test in a 300m indoor race next Saturday, November 29 in Montreal.

Despite rarely running the 200m distance in his young career Nicolas managed to win the Canadian 200m championship this past summer with a time of 20.85 seconds. He has to improve on that result if he hopes to secure a spot for Athens. The Canadian "A" standard this past year was 20.59 seconds, which had to be run within a specified time period as determined by Athletics Canada.

In preparing for the 200m, along with his 100m specialty, Nicolas will undoubtedly attain the versatility level Canadian relay coach Glenroy Gilbert has been looking for from all his athletes.

Strong curve running is one of the keys to success in the 200m as well as the 4x100m events. With improved 200m times Nicolas points to improved relay skills, opening the door for him to run any relay position asked of him in Athens.

chrisg@nicolasmacrozonaris.com