Kilbarchan AAC middle-distance star Jemma Reekie booked her place at this year’s World Athletics Championships with a stunning performance to be crowned UK champion.
The 24-year-old knew the pressure was on at the British Championships in Manchester as she looked to join training partner Laura Muir on the plane to Eugene in the US next month.
The talented runner, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in Tokyo last year, stayed with the pack in the crunch 800m final through a slow first lap and then used all her ability to kick on at just the right time.
Producing a sublime closing 200m in under 28 seconds, she won with a time of 2:06.03 from English competitor Ellie Baker to bag the title.
After a troublesome bout with glandular fever off the track, Reekie hopes her fitness troubles are finally behind her as she goes hunting for medals at the Worlds and the Commonwealth Games in a hectic six-week period.
Reekie said: “This means a lot to me. This season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but I know I can be ready for the Worlds and I have booked my spot.
“Some of the British girls are the best in the world, so I really couldn’t take anything for granted.
“I knew it would be slow because of the wind and I knew some could sprint but I really wanted it out there today.
“Last year I was so nervous at the Olympic trials, whereas I decided I just needed to do my best and I had prepared myself the best I can.
“I definitely think that the glandular fever has cleared. It shows in training, but there are those little one per cents where I’m still chasing.
“I’ve had to play catch up and my coach Andy Young has been hammering me on the track.
“There’s been no chill before races. I’ve been getting all the work done because I want to win a medal at the worlds.
“You never know with glandular fever because it hangs about for a while. But every week I’m getting better and better.”
