What a week to remember for Susan

Aug 24 2006 By Bill Mcguirk, The Evening Chronicle

Susan deacon has had a week to remember. It all started when the South Tyneside-based sprinter just failed to win the Scottish 100 metres title for a fifth time when she was edged into silver medal position by Merlene Ottey, arguably the greatest women speed merchant of all time.

Following on from the memorable race at Scotstoun, the pair joined up to help with a squad session of Scotland's leading junior athletes, and this led to a one-to-one on the track the following day.

"It was amazing really," said Deacon (pictured right).

"Merlene and I got talking while we were with the juniors, and she turned the conversation right round. She knew all about what I had done.

"So when the session was over I cheekily asked what she was doing the following day training-wise, as I knew she was staying over to compete in the Celtic Games.

"Straight away she suggested I come along and join her.

"That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with someone who has been at the top of the game for so long.

"She was a real role model, giving me tips all the way through our session together."

Deacon and Ottey met up on a more serious note a couple of days later in the Celtic Games and, once again, the result was the same as in the Scottish Championships, with the Jamaican-born athlete coming out on top.

While Deacon missed out on a trip to Sweden for the recent European Championships, the Scottish-born sprinter still has aspirations of making it to next year's World Championships in Japan, and to the Olympics the following year.

"I was disappointed to miss the last Olympics, but I still think I can make the squad for the Worlds next year and the Olympics in 2008," added Deacon.

"The European Indoors in Birmingham this winter will be the first target and then, hopefully, I can build on that and break into the World Championships team for Osaka next year."