2nd July 2008

Rooney Focussed On Olympic Trials

 

 

 

2 July 2008

 

 

 

Loughborough based 400m sprinter, Martyn Rooney is now firmly setting his sights on securing his place in the UK team for Beijing. 

 

Rooney will head to Aviva National Championships Incorporating the Team GB Selection Trials on the 11, 12 13th July in Birmingham along with several other strong performers, all hoping to be make the Olympic Team.

 

Rooney, only 21, is now ranked the UK’s number one 400m runner and is unbeaten in five races in 2008.

 

This of course includes his recent winning performance at the SPAR European Cup where he ran a dominant race coming home impressively to claim victory in the 400m, ultimately helping to secure Gold for Team GB in Annecy. 

 

Rooney, runner up at the National Championships over the past two years, can testify that the men’s 400m is traditionally a strong event in the UK saying: “The Aviva UK Championships and Team GB selection trials are a huge focus for me now. Over recent years the men’s 400m has been one of the most competitive disciplines in the UK. This year will be no different.” 

 

As is stands Rooney is the only athlete to have achieved the Olympic ‘A’ qualifying time of 45.55 in 2008.  This means he is in a strong position to make the team but he is fully aware that he will have to be at his best to guarantee his inclusion following the Birmingham Trials.

 

Rooney added: “I’ve made a great start to the season, but I know the rest of the guys will be gunning for me.  I will need to be at my best and I will be.”