Kilbarchan AAC middle-distance star Jemma Reekie booked her place at this yr’s World Athletics Championships with a surprising efficiency to be topped UK champion.
The 24-year-old knew the stress was on on the British Championships in Manchester as she regarded to affix coaching associate Laura Muir on the airplane to Eugene within the US subsequent month.
The proficient runner, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in Tokyo final yr, stayed with the pack within the crunch 800m ultimate via a gradual first lap after which used all her capability to kick on at simply the fitting time.
Producing a elegant closing 200m in underneath 28 seconds, she gained with a time of two:06.03 from English competitor Ellie Baker to bag the title.
After a hard bout with glandular fever off the observe, Reekie hopes her health troubles are lastly behind her as she goes looking for medals on the Worlds and the Commonwealth Video games in a busy six-week interval.
Reekie mentioned: “This implies so much to me. This season has been a little bit of a rollercoaster, however I do know I might be prepared for the Worlds and I've booked my spot.
“A number of the British ladies are one of the best on this planet, so I actually couldn’t take something with no consideration.
“I knew it might be gradual due to the wind and I knew some might dash however I actually needed it on the market at present.
“Final yr I used to be so nervous on the Olympic trials, whereas I made a decision I simply wanted to do my greatest and I had ready myself one of the best I can.
“I undoubtedly suppose that the glandular fever has cleared. It reveals in coaching, however there are these toddler per cents the place I’m nonetheless chasing.
“I’ve needed to play catch up and my coach Andy Younger has been hammering me on the observe.
“There’s been no chill earlier than races. I’ve been getting all of the work carried out as a result of I wish to win a medal on the worlds.
“You by no means know with glandular fever as a result of it hangs about for some time. However each week I’m getting higher and higher.”