21 December 2009

Britain’s three female World Champion medallists are set to run for the Aviva Great Britain and Northern Ireland team at the Aviva International Match in Glasgow.

World Champion Jessica Ennis, who is the team captain, will be joined by silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey and bronze medallist Jenny Meadows at Kelvin Hall on January 30.

The Aviva International Match is the only indoor competition the athletes get an opportunity to compete for points for their team and Meadows insists that she is itching and raring to go, following her success in 2009.

“I’ve been very motivated since I’ve been back training.  Normally I get to this point in the winter and think that I won’t be ready for the start of the season, but now I can’t wait to get out there and run,” said the 28-year-old.

“I really love running in Glasgow because the crowd are brilliant, they always stay until the end and wait for the trophy to be handed out.  Plus it’s such a great event because we don’t often get to race for each other and as an overall team.

“I’ve competed for both GB and the Commonwealth teams a few times and sometimes when I get points for the Commonwealth team I wished it had been for GB, so I’m delighted to be back running in the GB and Northern Ireland team.  It’s fantastic to be part of that team.

“I think it’s brilliant having us (Jessica Ennis and Lisa Dobriskey) as ambassadors for young girls.  Jess looked great at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards; she’s a beautiful girl with a beautiful personality and Lisa is one of the nicest girls you can meet.  We have all worked hard and this summer was a big thing for all three of us.”

Dobriskey, who took silver in the 1500m in Berlin, reiterated Meadows’ sentiments that the achievements of her fellow athletes will benefit them all next season.

She said: “Berlin was amazing and my medal has given me a new level of confidence which I’m looking forward to making the most of in 2010, starting with the indoor season.

“Jess (Ennis), Jenny (Meadows) and myself showed how far our female athletes have come and I’m sure we can look forward to even better results next season, both indoors and outdoors.  As is the case with a lot of sports it only take a couple of success stories to have a knock-on effect which motivates everyone else to want to achieve the same, if not better.

“I can’t wait to run at Kelvin Hall for the Aviva International Match.  It’s always nice pulling together as a team at that event and I think we’ve got a good chance to bring back the cup for GB.”

Ennis, the GB and Northern Ireland team captain, said: “I’m delighted that Jenny (Meadows) and Lisa (Dobriskey) will both be running in the GB and Northern Ireland team at the Aviva International Match. 

“The three of us enjoyed a successful World Championships in Berlin and I hope we will be able to start our 2010 season with Team victory for GB.  Jenny and Lisa have both had great results at Kelvin Hall and I’m sure they’ll be looking to continue that success in January.”

Tickets for the Aviva International Match at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow on Saturday 30th January are available by phone on 08000 556 056 or online at www.uka.org.uk