Laura in action in Manchester in Saturday’s heats (photo Getty Images for British Athletics)
Golden moment for Neil again as Jemma, Laura clinch Paris places, too
Laura Muir was already a GB and NI cross country international at junior level when she headed for the Olympic Trials prior to London 2012.
But, a month after her 19th birthday, she learned exactly the scale of the task in terms of Olympic selection when she finished 12th – and last – in the Women’s 1500m final at the British Champs in Birmingham.
So, a dozen years later, Laura could afford to be more than satisfied in Manchester late on Sunday afternoon after securing selection for Paris and the third Games appearance of her career.
Call it the silver lining on second place.
‘Back in 2012 prior to the Olympics being in London I was at the British Champs and Trials – and finished last in the Women’s 1500m final,’ recalled Laura.
‘So if you had told me then that I would later go on to make the British team for the Olympics three times then I would have been absolutely delighted.
‘Selection is a massive honour and in this sport you can’t take anything for granted. I was as nervous as I can remember prior to Sunday’s race because a number of us had the standard – and you know if you fall over or something like that then it can cost you heavily.
‘Now it is all about the final planning for Paris. I want to run the best I can at the Olympics.
‘I am really happy to be in the team and Georgia (Bell) ran a terrific race to win today. We’ve strong athletes now in Women’s 1500m.’
Nicole Yeargin, meanwhile, is hoping fourth place in the Women’s 400m final will be enough to make the Relay selection for Paris.
With Mixed Relay and Women 4x400m squads to be selected, the Pitreavie AAC sprinter is currently ranked third in Britain (with 51.32 SB).
‘I’m pleased with the run and felt good coming off the bend. I probably needed just a little more to be in the mix for the medals but hopefully that will be enough for the selection for the Relays in Paris.
‘If I make it, it would be my second Olympics. In Tokyo it was definitely strange with no fans in the stadium and that kind of thing.
‘I don’t feel that was the true Olympic experience so fingers crossed I have that in a few weeks.’
+++
Tags:
Laura Muir, Manchester, Nicole Yeargin,
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at Scottish Athletics…