Damian Warner turns the page on Paris and gets ready to chase an ‘elusive’ world title

After facing his worst nightmare at the Paris Olympic Games, Canadian decathlete Damian Warner is gearing up for a new season with a fresh perspective. Despite falling out of contention in Paris due to a disappointing performance in the pole vault, Warner has embraced the lessons learned from that experience and is focused on moving forward.

As Warner prepares for the upcoming season, he has two key decathlons on his radar. The first is the Hypo-Meeting in Götzis, Austria, on May 31, followed by the world championships in Tokyo in September. These competitions will serve as opportunities for Warner to showcase his skills and aim for the world championship gold that has so far eluded him in his career.

One of the factors helping Warner put the disappointment of Paris behind him is the arrival of his daughter Olivia shortly after the Summer Games. Warner acknowledges that being a top athlete requires sacrifices, but his family remains his number one priority. Striking a balance between his athletic pursuits and fatherhood, Warner is determined to give his best in both aspects of his life.

Training camps and competitions have already taken Warner to San Diego, where he has seen improvements in his performances compared to Paris. With a focus on staying healthy and maintaining his form, Warner is optimistic about his prospects for the upcoming season.

As he approaches the world championships in Tokyo, Warner is motivated to give his best and let the results speak for themselves. While he acknowledges the significance of winning the elusive world championship title, he remains focused on performing to the best of his abilities on competition days.

At 35 years old, Warner is aware that he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. However, he plans to take things one year at a time, following the advice of one of his sports heroes, Vince Carter, who emphasized the importance of enjoying the sport. For now, Warner’s love for decathlon and his drive to be the best in the world keep him coming back year after year.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Warner sees the world championships as an opportunity to redeem himself and showcase the hard work and dedication he has put into his training. By channeling the disappointment of Paris into motivation for success in Tokyo, Warner is determined to achieve the performance he had hoped for in the previous Olympics.

As Warner continues to pursue his goals in the decathlon, he remains committed to the sport and the challenges it presents. With a renewed focus and determination, Warner is ready to tackle the upcoming season with the aim of reaching new heights in his athletic career.