Calvino reaches qualifying B standard

Jo Calvino sneaked the Olympic qualifying B standard on the first day of the European Weightlifting Championships in Turkey, although it was only enough to claim 10th place in the women's 48kg category.

Calvino, from London, managed 66kg in the snatch - a new British record - and then 84kg in the clean and jerk, providing her with a total of 150kg - spot on the minimum B standard required to put herself in the frame for a place in Great Britain's squad at this summer's Olympics.

Hannah Powell, also competing in the same category, failed to record an overall total and was therefore not placed in the final standings.

After lifting 61kg in the snatch, the Birmingham-born athlete failed all three attempts at 80kg in the clean and jerk.

The Championships, being held in Antalya until Sunday, provide athletes with one of the final chances to hit the Olympic qualifying standards for their weight category and strengthen their claims for a place among Team GB in London.

A maximum of three men and two women can be selected for the Games but they will only be considered if they hit the specified A standard twice or B standard once, with athletes hitting the A standard given preference.

British Weight Lifting performance manager Fiona Lothian said: "This is a crucial time for any athlete who hopes to be selected for the London Olympics.

"Many of our athletes have reached the Olympic qualifying standards in training - but it only counts if they do it in top-level competition, and this is one of just a few events left for them to do that."

The 12-strong squad of British competitors, including the likes of Zoe Smith and Peter Kirkbride, are spread over eight weight categories across this week.