|
THREE SCOTS HAVE been named in the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland Team for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships that take place in St Galmier, France later on this month.
Andy Caine, Kathy Butler and Morag MacLarty were confirmed on Tuesday morning as part of the GB team that will bid for individual and team medals on 19/20 March following their performances in Saturday’s Inter-Counties/World Trials in Nottingham.
31-year-old Butler who place third at the weekend, led the senior women’s team to bronze in the long-course race last year and will once again form part of the spearhead for medal assaults in both the long and short-course races this time round.
As in 2004, the team will have to cope without the presence of former champion Paula Radcliffe who has chosen to concentrate on preparations for April’s London Marathon.
“I think we have shown that even when Paula is not around, we can still do well.” Said Butler. “She’s got to do what’s best for her and the World Cross was always going to be in conflict with the Marathon.”
For Caine, Saturday’s run was the highlight of a career that has seen him narrowly miss out on the big occasions in the past, most noticeably when reserve for the 2003 European Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh.
But, he managed to put it all together on Saturday and a fine second place finish to Glynn Tromans has secured him his first-ever major Championship appearance.
18-year-old Morag MacLarty has gained selection after a gutsy run in Saturday’s trials that saw her overcome a stomach upset to snatch what has proved to be a crucial 5th place from Nicola Sykes on the line.
“In the home straight, I knew I had to get past Nicola, because it was quite obvious the selectors were saving a place for Emily Pidgeon. I have beaten her before in the same manner and as we crossed the line, she said ‘Not again’” revealed the Aucterarder youngster.
“I’m really pleased to have made the team. In the last few years I have missed out on the opportunity to qualify for the World and European Cross Country Championships through injury, so this was my last opportunity to make the team for the Worlds.”
NORWICH UNION GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND TEAM:
SENIOR MEN'S LONG COURSE: Andy Caine (Tynedale Harriers), Mohamed Farah (Woodford Green & Essex Ladies), Karl Keska (Birchfield Harriers), Gavin Thompson (Crawley AC), Glynn Tromans (Coventry Godiva Harriers), Steffan White (Coventry Godiva Harriers).
SENIOR MEN'S SHORT COURSE: Andrew Baddeley (Harrow AC), Spencer Barden (Belgrave Harriers), John Mayock (Barnsley AC), Mike Skinner (Blackheath & Bromley), Ben Tickner (Wells City Harriers), Steve Vernon (Stockport Harriers).
JUNIOR MEN: Keith Gerrard (Manx Harriers), Adam Hickey (Southend AC), Martin Mashford (Aldershot Farnham & D), Anthony Moran (Trafford AC), Ryan Stephenson (North Shields Poly), Andy Vernon (Aldershot Farnham & D).
SENIOR WOMEN'S LONG COURSE: Kathy Butler (WSE & Hounslow AC), Charlotte Dale (Invicta East Kent AC), Natalie Harvey (South London Harriers), Mara Yamauchi (Harrow AC), Elizabeth Yelling (Bedford & County AC), Hayley Yelling (WSE & Hounslow AC).
SENIOR WOMEN'S SHORT COURSE: Kathy Butler (WSE & Hounslow AC), Helen Clitheroe (Preston Harriers), Hattie Dean (Radley Ladies), Lisa Dobriskey (Ashford AC), Kate Reed (Bristol & West AC), Hayley Yelling (WSE & Hounslow AC).
JUNIOR WOMEN: Sian Edwards (Kettering Town Harriers), Morag MacLarty (Central AC), Emily Pidgeon (Gloucester AC), Jessica Sparke (Woodford Green & Essex Ladies), Stephanie Twell (Aldershot Farnham & D), Abby Westley (Hallamshire Harriers)
source SAF
|
