Reekie can kick on at Olympics, says coach

JEMMA REEKIE’S coach Andy Young believes the breakthrough star of British athletics packs enough of a kick to be an Olympic contender this summer. While reluctant to apply unhelpful pressure to the 21-year-old, Young is more aware than anyone of the devastating potential within an athlete who until this month was best known for being Laura Muir’s training partner. Her 1500m win at the Indoor Grand Prix in Glasgow on Saturday was a case in point. Having collected three national records in February, Reekie (below) appeared to be heading for defeat when placed outside the top three and boxed in at the bell. But she produced an astonishing burst to pass World Indoor silver medallist Dawit Seyaum on the home straight. Her time of 4min 4.07sec was almost four seconds down on her best but the kick will have drawn the attention of Olympic contenders the world over. Young said: ‘The kick is pretty special. Not many people have that. I’ve not seen anyone string out that kind of field. ‘To deliver that at the end of a tough two weeks, with a 30-second last lap, you don’t get much better than that.’ Young faced criticism last week for blocking questions on Reekie’s Nike spikes and the risk is that Reekie’s talent will be downplayed in what is a reasonable debate. While there can be no denying the shoes have contributed to her times, it is increasingly clear from the manner of her races that Reekie is topping quality podiums on merit. Asked if she could become an Olympic contender, having clocked 1:57.91 for the 800m and 4:00.52 for the 1500m, Young said: ‘Yeah, if she can deliver performances like that. You’ve got to remember she’s 21, this will be her first Olympics.’