Darren Scott isn’t being arrogant. Just a little impish — and wickedly fast. After lowering the M40 indoor world record for 200 twice this season, the Scottish phenom returned to mere-mortal status last weekend at the British trials for the IAAF World Indoor Championships. He ran a 22.12. “Got lane 2 in the final, so time was OK from that tight inside lane,” he says. “I am delighted to have run two world 200 indoor records — 21.81 then 21.71 — then running a British record for the 300 in 35.87 in December. Also running my fastest 60 for some time in 6.98. My next goal is to run a 400 this Sunday and then on 7th March another 300, where I hope to smash my British record — and that will be my last indoor run. Then my thoughts will be on the outdoors.” My thoughts? We don’t know enough about this gent, who turns 41 in March. So I contacted him via a local reporter and shot him some queries.

Darren was 39 during this meet in July 2008. (Photo by Tom Phillips)

Here’s my quickie Q&A with Darren:

Masterstrack.com:  What were you doing in your 20s? Might you have been running sub-20 in your prime?

Darren Scott: I only started athletics when I was 21 and before that I played football (soccer).  I met my present coach in 1994 (Morris Condon);  he coached his son — GB international Allyn Condon. I gained my first international at the age of 29 for Scotland, and in my first 200m race I amazed everyone by winning, defeating fav Christian Malcom and Kevin Braunskill of the USA. My coach believes I would (have run)  low 20 in my prime, (but) due to work and coming in so late to athletics, I never reached my full potential.

Tell me about your job, education, career plans.

Darren at British masters championships in July 2008. (Photo by Tom Phillips)

For the last 7 years, I have been a personal trainer, which has made a big difference to my training. Before that I was a painter and decorator. I love my work and with me being self-employed I can work my training around it. My plan is always to stay in sport.

How do you train — frequency, intensity, weights, long distances? Have a coach?

In winter I do three track sessions, and two weights sessions, and one day mix of stuff.  In summer, I don’t do weights. I do one speed, one speed endurance and blocks plus plyometics. One thing I do is listen to my body and feelings, and that will give me the best session for that day.

Tell me about your family — wife, kids, cats, dogs?

For the last year I have been single — bliss .  I have no kids, no pets. My family are so proud of what I am achieving. Makes up for the years I missed, and what I may of done when I was younger.

What are your chances at the outdoor M40 world records in the 200 and 400 (20.64 and 47.81)?

I think the world outdoor record (20.64) is a little bit out of my reach, but do believe I will get close to 21.0. As for the 400, I do think that is possible, or tho would have to train just for that — lot of pain.

How do you explain your talents at your age? Not burning out at a younger age?

The reason I think I am running so well at 40+ is that I never reached my full potential when I was younger. Also I have a better lifestyle now. Another point is I weigh the same as I did 20 years ago — 68.8 (about 151 pounds) and my body fat is still 5-7% —  and I train more smart.

What is your secret motivation for competing in sprints post-40?

To break records and become a legend

Do you see yourself running sprints at 50, 60 or beyond?

Not sure how long I will go on for. The way I feel at the moment  — 100.

Are you familiar with older sprint legends — such as Payton Jordan, Bill Collins, Merlene Ottey?

Yes, I know all the legends, and I want to break there records. In GB, the legend is Steve Peters and my first aim was to run quicker, and win all the major titles. As a M35, I did the Grand Slam.

Is BMAF doing a good job offering opportunities for adult athletes like yourself?

The BMAF are moving forward and inproving. I think with people like myself it will only get better. I must say if the (masters entry) age M35 had not come in, I properly would not be running today. So for me it was the best thing ever.

Do you do anything else besides sprints?

I have done many other events — high jump 1.80m (5-10 3/4), long jump 6.79 (22-3 1/2), 400m hurdles (55.9). And some cross country. Defo stick to sprinting.

What masters athletics meets do you plan to enter this year? Or will you stick with elite, open meets?

I will be doing the European masters in Hungary in July. Also plan to run open age to make me run under pressure. I do plan to run European indoor and world outdoors (Sacramento) next year.