Team GB struggles on Day 2

Day 2 for British Athletics was challenging, here is story by Stuart Weir.

Team GB struggles on day 2

Day 2 of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo was eagerly anticipated by supporters of Team GB. The day started well, but then it rather petered out – perhaps predictably so.

The morning session featured the men’s and women’s 1500m events. Defending champion Josh Kerr, former champion Jake Wightman, and world indoor medalist this year, Neil Gourley, all progressed successfully to the semi-finals. Elliot Giles did not. His comment to the BBC after the race poignantly expressed the challenge of being a professional athlete and focusing one’s year on a single event.  Giles said: “I’m absolutely devastated. I put so much into this year, as we all do. I tailored my races around it, and I tailored my training to get ready for today. These races are anyone’s game, and it’s tough. I guess I knew three ways you could go. But in truth, I genuinely felt that as long as I’m in the top eight, that should take you through.[The criteria were the top six and no “fastest losers”]. That last 100 was like a simulation. I was like, Come on, legs, go, go, go. And the legs weren’t going. And again, it’s so hard. I can’t believe that we can put so much into it, and it can be over so quickly. I did everything right. Even got to bed at 7.45 last night. I had a good 8-9 hours’ sleep. I did everything.  In the race, other competitors share the same ambition, plans, and training. And again, it can be a roll of the dice if the race is slow. Something that can also happen if you run fast. That’s devastating, really devastating. It is part of the game and I still love it”.   Raw emotion.  There is also the “unfairness” that six athletes with slower times progressed, and that Giles’ PR is 10 seconds quicker than his time today.  Running rounds can be brutal. You can be in great shape, but the nature of the race or a tactical mistake can end your season prematurely—and your hopes.

Optimists had discussed potentially winning two medals in the men’s 400, including a gold. Matt Hudson-Smith had to rely on a “fastest loser” place, and Charlie Dobson was hanging on to third place as he finished.  Three women in the 400 all progressed – Amber Anning comfortably, with Yemi Mary John and Vikki Ohuruogu waiting nervously to see if they were among the fastest six outside the top three.  GB had six athletes…