Athletics is well and truly back. After promising signs from last weeks Indoor National Championships, some of team GB's top athletes will come to Birmingham full of confidence. This though is to be their toughest test so far as they come up against some of the top athletes from around the world.
The meet kicks off with one of Great Britain's finest prospects Holly Bleasdale in the Pole Vault. At only 21, Bleasdale has made it clear that by Rio she will be at the "top of her game." Fresh from her World lead clearance of 4.77m last week, she will hope to build on her 6th position finish in London by making a real impact at this years European Indoors in a couple of weeks. The Blackburn Harrier though faces stiff competition coming up against Olympic Silver medallist Yarisley Silva from Cuba.
The 60m heats then follow as the sprint battle between the Jamaicans and Americans continues. Not so much the well known names of the track but still an extremely strong field. Nesta Carter and 60m specialist Lerone Clarke look the men to be beaten from Jamaica. Meanwhile America's Mike Rodgers cannot be written off, returning to the track after his 9 month ban from a failed drugs test. GB's best hope comes in the reliant figure of Dwain Chambers who with the right start could easily be up there in the top three.
The 400 metres could be the race that causes an upset. A distance that has not had too much success in recent years in this country, is starting to produce some real talent. The pairing of Nigel Levine and Richard Strachan battled it out to first and second last week in the National championships. Both included in this race will see this as a great experience for the European indoors. Up against a strong field with the likes of Olympic Silver medallist Lugulein Santos and Bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon. If either Brit was to finish ahead of such a strong field it would be a true message of intent for the Europeans.
Up next is the showcase event, the 60m women's heats and final. With the top two from the women's 100m at last summer's Olympic Games will go to head to head as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce faces Carmelita Jeter. Fraser-Pryce a double Olympic Champion and known for her quick start has to be considered the favourite. Whilst Jeter who came second to Verena Sailer last month in Glasgow will be feeling the pressure but it would be stupid to write off a world class athlete in the American.
Britain's Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz will be hoping to win in front of a home crowd. Born in Birmingham he will come up against Olympic Champion Ivan Ukhov, however it is his rivalry with Aleksey Dmitrik that will test him, if he is to win Gold at the European Indoors.
Robbie Grabarz hoping to show he has what it takes in the High Jump.
Last but certainly not least is Double Olympic Champion Mo Farah taking to the track for the first time as he competes in the 3,000m. The 29 year old has set indoor records at the stadium before and there is seen to be little competition in making it a first win for 2013.
In other news for Team GB Jenny Meadows returns to the track for the first time since September 2011 in the 800m. Hannah England will also compete for the first time in 2013.
Both promising signs for long distance running as both have been frustrated by injury.
Tracktics Pick: Nigel Levine has the potential and 2013 will be the year he produces.
Coverage: Saturday 16th February. BBC 1: 1300-1630
Tracktics will bring a review on the event the following day.
Coverage: Saturday 16th February. BBC 1: 1300-1630
Tracktics will bring a review on the event the following day.
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