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SUSAN SCOTT believes Scotland has a "very realistic" chance of breaking the 4x1500m world record at this Thursday's Celtic Cup international at Grangemouth Stadium, near Falkirk.
The Motherwell runner, twice fourth at the Commonwealth Games over 800m, will be joined by GB international Freya Murray, Scottish champion Nicola Gauld and twice Commonwealth finalist Hayley Ovens - in her final race at elite level – in a strong home quartet with high hopes of beating the mark of 17:09.75 which has been held by Australia since 2000.
"We have to average about 4:17 each and we have all ran faster than that, so if we all run to our best then a new record is very realistic. I haven't raced over 1500m since January, I have been concentrating on 800m, but am confident I can step up with no problem at all." She said.
She also revealed her disappointment at missing the recent European Championships, after a hamstring injury hampered her attempts to qualify for Gothenburg. "I felt in great shape in March at the Commonwealth Games and felt I could have medalled at the Europeans." She said.
Instead, she sat disconsolately at home whilst fellow Brit Rebecca Lynne snatched bronze in the 800m. "You have to hand it to Becky Lyne, it was great that she got a medal. But it wasn't easy to watch." She admitted.
Ovens was equally upbeat about the possibility of a world best time on Thursday. "The sport goes through phases and at the moment the middle distances, both at British and Scottish level are going very well. It's exciting to part of that."
"It is a very strong field. The British Milers Club Team are sending a strong team and the Irish could also be very strong." She said. Ireland currently hold the European best which stands at 17:19.09.
Thursday will mark Ovens' final outing in this class of racing. The 30-year-old will not quit running completely but instead plans to step down her training and competing to a more "low-key" level in the future.
The Celtic Cup features teams from Scotland, Wales and Ireland and several top international guests including Darren Campbell (England), Merlene Ottey (Slovenia), Alan Webb (USA), James Beckford (Jamaica) and Tyree Washington (USA).
The match will be covered live by BBC Scotland 7-9pm and will be available on channel 990 for cable viewers. Admission to Grangemouth Stadium is free on the night, though capacity is limited and spectators are urged to arrive early to ensure they collect any remaining tickets at the booths pre-event.
Source SAF
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