Scotland’s top athlete Eilidh Child has set her sights on more medals after being named in the GB squad for the European Team Championships later this month.
The Olympic and Commonwealth Games silver medallist will be joined by Dundee’s Eilish McColgan, as well as the likes of Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford, at Gateshead on June 22 and 23 in the first major outdoor athletics event since the London Olympics.
And the 26-year-old Kinross-shire athlete admits her inclusion in the squad for both the 400 metre hurdles and the 4×400 metre relay events has given her a huge boost after an impressive start to her outdoor season.
The Pitreavie AC star has already been tipped for a medal by head coach Peter Eriksson and it’s a pressure Child believes she can handle.
“He’s probably right to be honest with the way I’ve been running and based on my indoor season, I should probably be someone who should be up there in contention,” she said.
“It’s quite flattering that he said that and he’s realistic. I just need to be a bit more realistic about my goals and challenging myself.”
Felllow Olympian McColgan was selected for the 3,000m steeplechase, while Scot Kirsten McAslan is also vying for a spot on the 4x400m relay team.
Child was back at Pitreavie Athletics Centre yesterday not only to continue her training but also to support the Thomas Mason Foundation, of which she is a patron.
The charity was set up in memory of Rosyth-born Thomas Mason (27), who was killed while serving with The Black Watch, and aims to give youngsters in Fife the chance to enjoy sport and further themselves.
“It’s just nice because although I’ve not lived in Fife I’ve grown up with my sport in Fife. I swam for a Fife swimming club and I ran for a Fife club, so it’s nice to give something back and do a bit for the youngsters at Pitreavie and other clubs in Fife,” she added.
“I just jumped at the chance to come and be part of it.”
Photo by David Wardle