Achilles problem haunts Turner (From Your Local Guardian)

Achilles problem haunts Turner

10:12am Monday 30th January 2012 in Sport By Ziad Chaudry

Andy Turner is determined to get his persistent Achilles problem sorted once and for all before the start of his all-important London Olympic 2012 summer campaign.

The 31-year-old Sutton-based world bronze medallist was left limping in agony suffering from the same Achilles tendon problem that has been affecting him for the last couple of years after finishing last in Aviva International Match men’s 60m hurdles race at historic Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena in Glasgow on Saturday.

The Nottingham-born athlete, who is coached by fellow Sutton-resident Lloyd Cowan, will now end his indoor campaign in order to get more treatment on his on-going Achilles problem.

“It’s the same thing that was bothering me last year (achilles), it’s been killing me every time I run and when I land off a hurdle I can really feel it,” said a frustrated Turner, who two weeks ago won his only other indoor race this season, the Crystal Palace Open.

"Every time I land off the hurdle I can feel it and you can't hold your position. Every step is painful.

“I was just looking to run a few indoor races this year but if I can’t get it fixed then I just have to pack up indoors, get this right and get ready for the outdoor season.

"I have to see the doctors. They were really good last year, they’ll sort it out."

On the race itself Russia’s Konstantin Shabonov beat off American Dexter Faulk and Londoner Lawrence Clarke to produce a world leading time of 7.54 seconds, while Turner clocked 7.74.

Team GB won the final staging of Aviva International Match at Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena before it moves to the new Commonwealth Arena next year with 60 points, followed by Russia and Germany who both amassed 53 points, Commonwealth Select 47 and USA 41.