Sunday 17 February 2013

Review: British Athletics Indoor Grand Prix

Farah wins in style as Team Christie bosses Birmingham

Farah steals the show once again.


Birmingham as predicted did not disappoint, with some world class performances it also continued with team GB athletes showing they were more than capable of challenging the world's best.
Mo Farah won with ease to carry on his winning ways into 2013. Farah strolled to victory in the men's 3000m in a time of 7 minutes and 42 seconds. Farah also came out with the news that he will be doing the London Marathon (sponsored by Virgin reason being) however he will only do half in 2013 and a full one in 2014.
Some great news for middle distance running in this country was that in Michael Rimmer and Jenny Meadows. Rimmer strickened by injury won his race against a world class field as he showed his delight on how much he left with 100m to go and hopefully it will be a season he can really push to be with the best. Meadows having not run since 2011 was delighted to be back and although third showed by no means she has let any of her fighting spirit slip and cannot be ruled out for a medal when it comes to the World Championships.
The non GB athlete performance of the day had to be handed to the Ivory Cost athlete Murielle Ahoure beating Carmelita Jeter & Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce she hit a P.B and world lead time of 6.99 seconds which was even a shock to her!
Team Christie though came out with the most success. the Former Olympic Champion's group had wins from Margaret Adeoye in the 400 metres showing plenty of potential. Luke Lennon Ford still only 23 took the 2 lap indoor race showing even more strength in the 400 metres for the GB men. Whilst Tracktics pick Nigel Levine didn't disappoint as he came from third to first in a high class field to power through to the finish line. Richard Strachan also part of Linford Christie's group took a very respectable third. Other performances from Rion Pierre and Greg Cackett in the 60 metres shows that as group Team Christie have obviously been working very hard to build from London with Moscow ( World Champs) in mind.
The only disappointing GB performance came in Dwain Chambers. Who after having a back injury recently, didn't even make it out of his heats. Chambers admitted after he hasn't done enough training and hinted it maybe time to pass on for someone to take up the number one spot for GB sprinting although i doubt he will be giving that up without a fight. The men's 60m was conquered by an American after Michael Rodgers marked his return with a win defeating Jamaican Nesta Carter in the process.

                                Dwain Chambers reflects after being knocked out in the 60m heats          

Being in the mix zone for the first time with Athleticos, i spoke to numerous athletes in what was a great experience. I also picked up some interesting news too...
  • GB's Shara Proctor who won her long jump event will not be going to Gothenburg as she continues with her training she wants to focus on her outdoor season. (See more for interview) 
  • Sprint legend Kim Collins spoke to Athleticos about his relationship with his country ST Kitts Nevis after his was withdrawn from the Olympics after not staying in the Olympic village. Wouldn't say he is too fond on his countries representatives.                           
  • New UKA coach Peter Eriksson was floating about and he seemed particularly pleased with Elidih Child personally coming to congratulate her on her P.B performance in the 400m. Not something you would see with old coach Charles Van Commenee.
  • With coach Rana Reider moving over from the U.S to Loughborough we spoke to many of his athletes on how they were settling into life in the U.K. All positive feedback with World Class hurdler Danielle Carruthers told us how she was loving a good little shop at Tesco!                    
To view all interviews go to www.athleticos.org
All great news for Team GB building up for the European Indoors which take place from the 1st March to the 3rd March.

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