Double Olympic medallist Christine Ohuruogu will lead a strong British team as they seek their first-ever podium finish at this weekend's Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
Ohuruogu will form a key part of a powerful 4x400m quartet which includes Eilidh Child, Shana Cox and in-form hurdles specialist Perri Shakes-Drayton, who combined earlier this year to win the European indoor title.
“The Penn Relays will give us the chance to see where we are as we approach the outdoor season. We’ve seen some encouraging displays already at the European Indoors and also some strong performances last weekend," said British Athletics coach Terrence Mahon.
“I have no doubt that the team assembled have every chance of winning the first medal for Great at the event, but as with every year, the relays attract some strong opposition, so we’ll have to be at our very best.”
Meanwhile, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Andrew Robertson, James Ellington and Danny Talbot will race over 4x100m while Michael Bingham, Richard Buck, Nigel Levine, Conrad Williams and Richard Strachan are selected as the men's 4x400m quartet.
As a part of the event’s unique format, Chris Warburton, Martyn Rooney, Joe Thomas and Matt McLauglin will run in the distance medley relay. Warburton will run the first 1200m leg, before passing on to Rooney and then Thomas who will run their 400m and 800m legs respectively with 18-year old international newcomer McLaughlin finishing with a 1600m.
For the first time in its 118 year history the Penn Relays will put on a women’s 4x800m relay, with Tara Bird, Marilyn Okoro, Lynsey Sharp, and Jemma Simpson the selected British team.
© Sportsbeat 2013