Allan Smith aiming for three centimetres to make Euro squad

Allan Smith will make another bid this week to earn a place at next month's European Indoor Championships in Belgrade after winning the British Trials in Sheffield yesterday.

Allan Smith competes in the men's high jump during the British Athletics Indoor Team Trials in Sheffield. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

The South Queensferry high jumper leapt 2.25 metres to come out ahead of Olympic medallist Robbie Grabarz and English rival Chris Kandu. But all three came up short of the Euro qualifying mark of 2.28m with the selection deadline coming after next weekend’s Muller Grand Prix in Birmingham.

“I should have cleared 2.28 here,” said Smith. “I know it’s there so it’s frustrating to not get the qualification height. I just need to go out and get it. If I get into the Grand Prix, I’ll go for it there. If not I’ll 
go to Athlone on Wednesday.”

Lasswade’s Guy Learmonth will be on the plane to Serbia after coasting to the 800m title by maintaining his red-hot form. “It was job done,” he said. “Now I want to run really fast in Birmingham next weekend ahead of Belgrade.”

Pitreavie’s Eilidh Doyle wrapped up her Euro place by winning the women’s 400m but a lane violation cost East Lothian’s Jamie Bowie bronze in the men’s 400m with the world silver medallist disqualified. Emily Dudgeon was fifth in the 800m in her first domestic final since switching coaches to US-based duo Dan Pfaff Danny Mackey.

Lynsey Sharp is set to skip the Euros despite another top-notch showing in the States where she came third in the 800m at the Millrose Games in New York.