Domestic rivalry pushing Buhari on
JUGGLING an Olympic assault with a part-time banking career would take it out of most people – but not discus thrower Abdul Buhari who went on to finish top of the pile in the McCain Challenge Series.
Buhari splits his time between London and Loughborough, working at Credit Suisse every Monday and Tuesday before heading to the East Midlands to train and then repeating the process all over again.
But it hasn’t slowed him down as he improved his personal best by six metres in 2011 to reach the World Championships in Daegu, his first major international event, before going on to reach London 2012.
However the 30-year-old still found time to finish top of the McCain Challenge Series, his six meets bringing him 883 points, 24 ahead of Zane Duquemin in second with Brett Morse finishing third.
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Buhari will soon go on a long overdue honeymoon with wife Kay – the pair tying the knot in 2010 – but no matter what is on his calendar he is grateful for the domestic challenges that set him on the path to international stardom.
“This season has been a bit of a challenge with the Olympics but it has been a pretty good season and winning the McCain Challenge Series was actually a nice surprise,” said Buhari.
“It is these events that are your bread and butter and it is always good to finish on top of your domestic rivals as it gives you momentum.
“The season saw me finish top of the trials again, compete in my first European Championships and although I just missed out on the final at the Olympics it was great to be a part of my first Games.
“Next year I want to keep on improving and work on the areas that need improving and the McCain Challenge Series plays a big part in that.”
Despite finishing top of the McCain Challenge Series, Buhari is constantly pushed all the way on the domestic scene, with Lawrence Okoye and Carl Myerscough both bettering him at London 2012.
But Buhari isn’t about to shy away from any challenges, insisting the Battle of Britain only makes him better positioned to fight for international honours.
“Having such strong competitors in your own country is a bit of a doubled-edged sword but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he added.
“Being one of the best in Britain puts you in a good place internationally and that is what it is all about.
“It makes it harder to reach the big competitions but it also gives you momentum and hopefully I can have some more success.”
The McCain UK Challenge is a nationwide, season long competition comprising a series of events from mid May until August for Britain’s top club athletes and aspiring internationals vying for a share.
© Sportsbeat 2012
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