British Athletics performance director Neil Black insists he can’t wait for the European Championships to get going now after unveiling a 74-strong team heading to Zurich next month.
James Dasaolu showed enough at the Glasgow Grand Prix on the weekend to earn the third and final 100m spot on the squad, running 10.03 seconds to join Dwain Chambers and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in Switzerland, the latter pair having secured their places at last month’s British Championships.
This means that fellow sub-ten second sprinter Chijindu Ujah has to make do with a spot in the men’s 4x100m relay team with Zurich set to be the first time he represents Great Britain as a senior athlete.
Former world champion and London Olympian Dai Greene will compete in the 400m hurdles, whilst reigning world title holder Christine Ohuruogu is selected for the women’s 400m.
There are notable debuts for Matthew Hudson-Smith – who ran a personal best of 44.97 at the Glasgow Grand Prix to earn a call up for the men’s 400m, and 17-year-old Morgan Lake who will compete in the women’s high jump.
Eight athletes in total will make their senior international debuts in Zurich, other names being Niall Flannery and Tom Burton in the 400m hurdles, former World Youth silver medallist Alison Leonard in the women’s 800m, pole vaulter Jax Thoirs and reigning European Junior champion Jake Wightman in the 1500m.
“The fact that there were so many tough selection choices reflects on the depth and strength we have in some events this summer,” Black said.
“It is great to see young talent coming through such as Morgan Lake in the high jump and Matthew Hudson-Smith in the men’s 400m.
“At the same time, the calibre of individuals such as Dai, Chrissy and Goldie Sayers will ensure the team has a bedrock of championship experience within it.
“There is an expectation for members of this team to be winning medals or challenging hard at the top end in their finals with youngsters coming through from junior ranks and our experienced medallists performing as strongly as they have in previous years.
“I’m genuinely excited as to the strength of the team headed for Zurich and looking forward next month’s championships in Switzerland.”
© Sportsbeat 2014