Laura Muir takes British 800m title and targets European double
BySportsbeat
Updated 01/07/2018 at 18:19 GMT
Laura Muir produced a dominant 800m display at the British Championships on Sunday to set up an attempt at the 800m-1500m double at this summer's European Athletics Championships.
Laura Muir celebrates her win in the Women's 800m final during Day Two of the Muller British Athletics Championships at the Alexander Stadium on July 1, 2018 in Birmingham, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
On a dramatic day that also saw Lorraine Ugen jump the longest distance in the world this year at the Alexander Stadium, it was Muir who really caught the eye.
The Scottish star blew the field away over two laps – an impressive feat for the 25-year-old who claimed world indoor medals at the start of this year over 1500m and 3000m.
And after destroying a field that included Lynsey Sharp and Alex Bell, Muir re-iterated her intentions to take on the double in Berlin in August.
"At the moment we asked the selectors to enter me into both events. It's still a long way off but I've asked to be in the two," she said.
"Training has been going really well. I have got a few hard races lined up before then so I am hoping to run some fast times.
"I am happy I came out and did the job I wanted to do today. I've never won an 800m title outdoors so I am delighted with that."
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Bronze Medallist, Laura Muir of Great Britain celebrates
Image credit: Getty Images
Elsewhere, Ugen claimed gold in the women's long jump with an extraordinary effort of 7.05m – longer than anyone in the world has managed this year.
There were also Championship Records in the hammer throw where Olympic bronze medallist Sophie Hitchon dominated with a throw of 72.02m.
Beth Dobbin came from nowhere to surprise a stacked field in the women's 200m as well, holding off Bianca and Jodie Williams in a dramatic race to take the title in 22.59seconds.
"I've watched these girls on TV, they are my idols so to race against them now is just amazing, I can't believe it was a Championship record," she said.
Andrew Pozzi also booked his place in Berlin with a comfortable victory in the 110m hurdles while there was a triumphant return for Dai Greene in the 400m hurdles.
The Welshman – a former World, European and Commonwealth champion – has struggled with form and fitness in recent years but held off Jack Green to take the British title on Sunday in 50.06seconds.
Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake held off Adam Gemili in the 200m final to claim victory by just two hundredths of a second in 20.24seconds.
Matthew Hudson-Smith blew the competition away on his way to the 400m win while Chris O'Hare edged a competitive 1500m field.
Elliot Giles won the 800m while Meghan Beesley won the women’s 400m hurdles, Rosie Clarke stormed to the 3,000m steeplechase and Anyika Onuora won the 400m.
On Sunday morning it was Jade Lally and Tom Bosworth celebrating after their respective victories in the javelin and race walk.
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