GB chief has no concern for O'Hare

Chris O'Hare will be ready to go for world indoor glory next week, British Athletics supremo Neil Black has insisted.
Chris O'Hare and Jake Wightman have been picked in the GB squad. Pic: GettyChris O'Hare and Jake Wightman have been picked in the GB squad. Pic: Getty
Chris O'Hare and Jake Wightman have been picked in the GB squad. Pic: Getty

The double European medallist was named yesterday in a 31-strong Great Britain & Northern Ireland team for the championships in Birmingham, joining Capital club-mate Jake Wightman in the 1500 metres.

The duo are among eight Scots in the line-up with Pitreavie’s Eilidh Doyle joining Zoey Clark in the 400m, gold medal hope Laura Muir and Eilish McColgan doubling up in the 1500 and 3000m, Mhairi Hendry going in the 800m and Grant Plenderleith in the 4x400 relay.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

O’Hare was a doubt after missing last weekend’s trials with a foot problem but Black believes the 27-year-old will be ready to go after picking the Scottish record holder ahead of rival Charlie Grice – even if he sits out this Sunday’s Muller Grand Prix in Glasgow.

“Chris flagged up early in the week that he had a problem that was interfering with his training,” he revealed. “He was concerned he wouldn’t be able to compete without aggravating it and reported into the medical staff. He did a test run out on the Saturday and was still feeling discomfort so it was sensible not to take unnecessary risks.

“He’s worked closely with the medical team. He’s progressing his running through this week and will expect to do a workout. We’re confident he will be fine but that will depend on that.”

“His ranking is sixth in the world. He’s won two very high standard competitions. We’d be total fools to hang medals around his neck. He’s a great competitor and will certainly leave it on the track and we’re looking forward to seeing how he performs.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wightman, who won the British title with a terrific effort, will now go to his first major indoor championships after racing in Glasgow.

“The Commonwealths is what I’ve been thinking about mainly,” the 23-year-old said. “But it would be nice to make the final. In the 1500m no-one is running stupidly quick so I think if you can make the final you have a good chance to be in it.”