CHRIS TOMLINSON has expressed his disappointment after being left out of the Great Britain squad for next month’s World Athletics Championships in Moscow.
Middlesbrough-born Tomlinson has been overlooked in favour of Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford, who has completed his recovery from a hamstring injury in time to compete in the World Championships, which begin on August 10.
Despite finishing sixth in last summer’s Olympic final, Tomlinson has been unable to achieve the World Championship ‘A’ qualifying standard of 8.25m Rutherford has not achieved it this season either, meaning the British selectors could only choose one competitor for Moscow.
Tomlinson failed to get close to the required distance as he posted a best leap of 7.99m in last weekend’s Anniversary Games at the Olympic Stadium, and Rutherford’s gold-medal winning display last summer has earned him the nod.
In response to the news, a clearly frustrated Tomlinson tweeted: “Hugely disappointed that I’m not going to Moscow, especially when in better current form and 100 per cent fit and ready.”
Rutherford was unable to compete in last weekend’s event and also missed the World Championship trials, but British Athletics performance director Neil Black is satisfied he has passed the necessary tests to ensure he is capable of performing at his best in Moscow.
“Greg has shown a remarkable level of recovery during a short space of time, something he has shown an aptitude for throughout his athletics career,” said Black.
“Following the fitness tests and his record of being able to produce a quality performance off minimal build up, I am pleased to confirm his place in the GB & NI team.
“He’ll continue to work closely with the support staff to maximise every additional moment in between now and the 14th of August (when the long jump preliminary round takes place).”
Jessica Ennis-Hill is still to announce whether she will compete in the heptathlon after only recently recovering from Achilles problems.
The Olympic gold medallist competed in the hurdles and the long jump on Sunday, but was some way below her best in both.
She sounded a cautious note about her Moscow prospects at the time, saying: “I don’t want to go and not be ready and not be competitive. I’ve got more to lose than to gain really. I want to go there and be a contender for a gold medal, that’s the thought process.”
Christine Ohuruogu will captain the Great Britain squad, and should be in the mix for a gold medal after triumphing in the 400m at the Anniversary Games.
The captaincy is particularly important to Ohuruogu as her 20-year-old sister, Victoria, is also in the squad for the 4x400m relay.
“I am very proud to have been asked to be the team captain,” said Ohuruogu. “I am not normally someone who likes the spotlight, but this is a lovely feeling to be trusted in this role, and it’s nice for myself and my coach Lloyd (Cowan) for the hard work we have put in over the years.
“Having Vicky on the team really brings home the responsibility to me. If ever there was a reminder that there are stepping stones along the way and the team captain is there to help young athletes settle in, then having my younger sister nearby is definitely it.
“An athlete’s career can be a rollercoaster of experiences, but if anything I know they’ve made me stronger as a person, and I hope to lead by example when I get on the track in Moscow.”
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