26 February 2010

Kelly Sotherton will make a guest appearance during the second match of this year’s McCain City Challenge at Lee Valley on Saturday.

The 33-year-old, who won Olympic heptathlon bronze in 2004, will compete in the shot as she continues her comeback from an injury-plagued 2009 that saw her miss the World Championships in Berlin with a heel problem.

Birchfield Harrier Sotherton won’t be representing a team in the capital but will be cheering on home-city Birmingham Falcons as they compete against Sheffield Flames, Glasgow Cobras, Manchester Warriors, London North Lions, London South Sharks, Newcastle Angels and Cardiff Dragons. 

Defending champions Sheffield Flames will arrive in London looking to build on their success in the opening match of the series in the Steel City on February 7.

Vastly-improving pole vaulter Luke Cutts will be a key member of the Flames team having cleared 5.30m to win in Sheffield earlier this month, with his main rival set to be Scott Simpson of Cardiff Dragons.

Sheffield also include 2008 World Junior Championship bronze medallist Meghan Beesley in their team with the 20-year-old set for a mouth-watering clash with World Indoor Championship-bound Vicky Griffiths, who is representing Manchester Warriors, in the 400m.

The reigning champions will also be hoping for big performances from Jamie Williamson – who finished third at the World Indoor Trials – in the shot and Zara Hohn in the 60m hurdles.

Other highlights from the day include European under-23 silver medallist Gianni Frankis (London North Sharks) going head-to-head with Commonwealth silver medallist Chris Baillie (Glasgow Cobras) in the 60m hurdles.

British outdoor and indoor triple jump champion Nadia Williams will also be in action competing for London North Lions, with her biggest challenger set to be Windsor, Slough, Hounslow and Eton AC’s Shakira Whight (London South Sharks).

For the latest information on the McCain City Challenge – follow this link