Tapper seeing results in first season with Elite

BUDAPEST, Hungary

In her first season with the Elite Performance Track Club, Olympic 100 metres hurdles bronze medallist Megan Tapper is not only surprised by how well she has taken to the intensity of the programme but how much she has improved as she readies herself to deliver at the World Athletics Championships when she starts her campaign next Tuesday.

Last month Tapper's short time in Renaldo Walcott's camp saw her achieve a personal best effort of 12.44 seconds at the National Championships in her first-round heat, a campaign which saw her win her third national title.

For two years Tapper watched from afar seeing the extensive workouts of the Elite athletes, not thinking that she could handle it. Tapper said the way she adapted to the programme surprised her.

"What surprised me the most was how prepared I was to handle the training. Because we have trained in the same vicinity for the last couple of years and I looked over happy that I wasn't a part of the programme because it looked so hard. But I was adequately prepared by my previous coach and I was able to manage it," Tapper told STAR Sports.

It has led to her reaching going sub 12.5 three times this season crediting her improved technique and speed she has gained.

"My sprinting technique has improved, I'm stronger, and I'm definitely faster in the flat 100m which is obviously what helped the most, I think, in getting my time down to 12.44 at the National Championships," Tapper said

For the 29-year-old, she is enjoying not only the atmosphere that is being cultivated as well as how they have set the standards.

"Obviously, it's serious when it's time to run. (But) It's a really comfortable and progressive atmosphere and I'm really happy and grateful to be a part of the team," Tapper said.

She is hoping that she displays a better version of herself this year after missing out on the final last year in Oregon despite running her personal best at the time. But not shying away from the challenges, Tapper is relishing breaking through them with her persevering attitude.

" It's always about building up and overcoming obstacles and I had a lot of help. But I am here now and I am ready to buckle down and handle business," Tapper said.