27 August 2011

On the opening morning of the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Daegu South Korea, there were six athletes in action for the Aviva GB & NI team.

In the first event of the Championships Susan Partridge (John Montgomery) and Alyson Dixon (Liz McColgan) took to the city centre streets for the women’s marathon event which saw a clean medal sweep for the Kenyan women. Partridge came in 25th with a time of 2:35.57, whilst Dixon followed home in 2:50.51.

In the pole vault, Steve Lewis (Dan Pfaff) looked comfortable clearing 5.20m, 5.35m and 5.50m on his first attempts, but then failed to clear 5.60m. However the early consistency was enough to bag him a place in Monday’s final.

“It took me a little while to figure out my grip because of the humidity. I’m through and I am going to just look forward to the final. I feel like I have been given another chance –  it’s pole vault and this can happen.”

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase Barbara Parker (Sean Burris) confirmed her presence in Tuesday’s final finishing fifth in heat three with a time of 9:38.21.

“I actually got a stitch in the last two laps and I was like no, I’ve got two laps left just push it and work really hard. With four laps to go I felt really good and I’m not afraid to take the lead which I’ve done a lot of times and it pays off for me because I have got long legs and a good stride. I knew when I came to the bell lap and I saw the time I knew what I needed to do.

“It’s such a good build up for London. The last two Championships didn’t go to plan for me. My coach is my husband now and we have changed a few things and took a few risks. We have done what we thought was right for me and it has worked out well. I will be ready for the final.”

In the men’s 800m first round there were mixed fortunes for the Brits. Going in heat two, European silver medallist, Michael Rimmer (Norman Poole) looked to be struggling in the last 200m and finished fifth with 1:47.11 leaving him unable to seal a spot as a fastest qualifier.

A disappointed Rimmer said: “I can’t do anymore I have done everything possible in the last two months to try and sort the problem. Bizarrely I thought it was the best I have ran in a couple of months.

“I just lose control of my pelvic floor – it just moves around and wobbles. It distracts me during the race. It’s done now and I can’t do anything about it.”

But Andrew Osagie (Craig Winrow) qualified comfortably for tomorrow’s semi-final easing across the line in second spot behind Brazilian Kleberson Davide in 1:46.08.

Osagie believing the Aviva holding camp aiding his run: “The conditions were hot and humid and I knew it was going to be. Thanks to Aviva we had a camp in Ulsan to prepare for that. I’m happy I’ve come out here and done the job I wanted to do. I’ve qualified and that was always the aim. My confidence is at an all time high at the moment.”

Tonight’s evening session at the Daegu Stadium sees former World and reigning Olympic Champion Christine Ohuruogu lining up in the first round of the women’s 400m with Nicola Sanders and Lee McConnell. Shara Proctor will compete in the long jump qualifier and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dwain Chambers and Marlon Devonish will contest the first round of the men’s 100m.

UKA will provide daily news reports from the 2011 World Championships on www.uka.org.uk and quotes from Aviva GB & NI athletes.

For full results visit: http://daegu2011.iaaf.org/Home.aspx