Jenny Meadows, the former world and European 800m bronze medallist, has been forced to pull out of the 800m semi-finals at the European Championships in Helsinki through injury.
The 31-year-old, who is suffering from an aggravated Achilles injury, now faces an anxious wait ahead of Olympic selection on Monday.
“It has been a battle to get back to full fitness after suffering an Achilles tear earlier this year,” said Meadows. “I have never been fitter, having spent all winter training on the bike or the Alter-G, and mentally I was ready to come here and compete for a medal.
“But my injury seems to have reacted badly to the flight and whilst we all genuinely believed I would be ready to get to the start line this setback means I’m so close yet so far.
“I know I’m selectable based on my previous 7 A standards, but it is no longer in my control.”
Meadows, who also missed the Aviva 2012 Trials at the weekend, does remain in contention for a Team GB spot, however, despite her injury. There are three spots available, although Lynsey Sharp and Jemma Simpson are looking likely contenders for two of the places as they finished first and second in the trials.
Those two places could be filled if they manage the ‘A’ standard of one min 59.90 seconds at the European Championships and if so Meadows will be reliant upon UK Athletics awarding her the discretionary third spot.
Elsewhere, Jeanette Kwakye has suffered a huge 100m setback at the Championships as she failed to qualify from her 100m heat.
The injury-stricken 29-year-old finished in a time of 11.98 seconds, placing her seventh of eight runners in her heat.
Understandably devastated, the former Olympic finalist admitted she’s now unsure of her chances of making London 2012.
“I can’t start on the line in London if I’m going to be in that kind of shape and form,” she said. “I wouldn’t do myself justice and psychologically it doesn’t help.”
All is not lost, however, as Kwakye, who also competes in the 4x100m relay in Helsinki, could still secure her spot at the Games due to her ‘A’ qualifying standard of 11.29 seconds achieved twice last year. However, proof of current form is also a requirement for the UK Athletics selectors.
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Photo credit: Courtesy of The Wigan Observer
