FIVE Trackspeed1 sprinters line up in the Olympic Trials 200 metres tomorrow (Sunday 24th) with at least one looking for a potential berth at the biggest show on earth - the Olympic Games!
It is the day of reckoning for James Ellington who goes into the event as one of four athletes with an A standard, meaning that first or second in the final will be enough to secure his spot in TeamGB. But it will be far from easy.
Reigning UK Champion Christian Malcolm will start as favourite. and James Alaka and Richard Kilty both have faster A standards than James. However, Kilty has not run since April, and Alaka has been racing in far warmer climes in the USA. New Brit' Delano Williams will, however, also be a threat.
"It will be a fantastic final," said coach John Powell, "but we have to survive the heats first. I expect James will have to win his heat to be sure of qualification, and then be at his lifetime best to qualify, but he's in terrific shape and I have every confidence in him."
Joining James on the 200m start line will be Jason Hussain, who clocked a season's fastest 100m in the heats on Friday night, along with reigning European Junior Champion, David Bolarinwa. Julian Thomas will also start after a recent niggle cleared up, as will England Senior Champion, Edmond Amaning.
"After Adam Gemilli's terrific 100m that secured his Olympic spot, I suspect David will be good for a 200m place in the World Junior Championships, in Barcelona, next month," said John, "but it would be nice to underline a claim to that team place (selected on Monday) in Birmingham."
Other Trackspeed1 competitors may not be in contention for TeamGB, but if recent form is anything to go by, they could upset one or two hopefuls with such tough qualifying conditions.
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