Work, Rest and Play - Cornel Fredericks

Published by the IAAF on September 29, 2014

Cornel Fredericks enjoyed a memorable 2014 season after securing men’s 400m hurdles titles at the Commonwealth Games, African Championships and, most recently, the IAAF Continental Cup just two weeks ago.

The South African reveals a little of his world by answering our work, rest, play questions.

Cornel at work

What is your favourite training session and why?

Cornel Fredericks: I have no specific session. I like training. For me, I like to train hard so it makes the races easier for me. If I run a race without that feeling of dizziness and lactic it shows training has gone well.

What is your least favourite training session?

CF: I prefer the shorter sessions. I don’t like the 500s or 600s, although if you compete in 400m hurdles you have to put up with that type of training otherwise you will not be able to run the times that you want.

What are your three favourite things about being an athlete?

CF: I like the travelling, meeting new people, and I also like the feeling of making people in my country proud of track and field.

Who is your favourite training partner and why?

CF: I used to train with a 400m sprinter called Shaun de Jager (personal best 45.66). As athletes we were at a similar level and we would push each other and motivate each other during training. I haven’t seen Shaun as much since moving from Stellenbosch to Pretoria, but we are still good friends.