Brits in Paris, Brits in their own words

This is Stuart Weir’s last piece on the Paris DL. In this third of his Paris pieces, Stuart lets the British athletes speak on their meets. 

Brits, in their own words

Five British athletes participated in the Meeting de Paris. All five told me how they felt the afternoon went.

Morgan Lake was seventh in the high jump, with 1.92 in the event where Yaraslava Mahuchikh set a new World record of 1:92. Morgan’s second attempt at 1.95 was close.  She said: “I am happy with how today went. 1.92 is my second season’s best. I’m happy with how I performed at the 1:95. I definitely have that in me.  It was just a technical mistake. I think I was trying too hard.  It was a light-bulb moment when I realized it would come if I just relaxed and enjoyed it. I’m disappointed with the placement, but I have one more meeting in Germany – before Paris, then holding camp. I will back myself for the games. After Germany, I will work two weeks with my coach Robbie [Grabarz] before the games”.

“I was very close on the second attempt at 1.95. It was frustrating as I was just too close to take off. It’s a pretty fast track and a lovely day so I just needed to trust myself and jump as I know it’s within me. That will give me more confidence in the next competition. I just need to show it”.

Laviai Nielsen was fifth in the 400m in 50.67, a PR.  Her assessment of the race was: “You can never be unhappy with a PB. I’m also pleased with my consistency. (She has run 51.04, 50.92, 50.86, 50.73, 50.71, 50.67 this year). That was one of my goals for the season – to be consistent. I also know there is a good time for me; I just have to be patient and wait for it to happen.

“I like running in the outside lane because it lets you concentrate on yourself. Sometimes in a fast race like this you can get carried away by what everyone else is doing. I just ran my own race and felt strong all the way”.

A particular joy for Laviai is that her twin sister, Lina, is also in the GB team in the 400h. “I feel almost happier that my sister made the Olympics than that I did. She’s had such a tough career and so deserves it. Throughout her whole career she’s probably had one of the toughest journeys that any athlete has had. To go to the Olympics together has been our dream since we were 16. We are really going to enjoy it and make the most of it. I can’t wait…