IMANI-LARA: NAME IS JUST NOT CRICKET

SHE is out to make a name for herself so being called after a sporting legend does not help.

But fast-emerging British sprinter Imani-Lara Lansiquot says it could have been worse.

“My dad tried to convince my mum to call me Brianna Lara,” she said, with scarcely-concealed horror. “Imagine that!”

At the age of 20, Lansiquot is already sixth-fastest British woman of all time over 100 metres.

Clocking 11.11 seconds in world-class company at last weekend’s Anniversary Games (above) earned her selection for next month’s European Athletics Championships.

And the ultra-ambitious London student, in her first year as a senior, insists nothing less than a place in the Berlin final will satisfy her. But back to her name. “I AM named after Brian Lara, the cricketer,” she confirmed. “It’s an absolute joke but it’s true. My family on my dad’s side – my St Lucian side – are huge cricket fans. They adore the West Indies.

“My mum said my dad could have the Lara – but not Brianna.

“The worst part is I am absolutely no good at cricket. I have no hand-eye coordination. Nor have I ever met Brian. He would probably think I’m weird because I’m named after him!”

The choice of parents Richard and Terrey followed Lara himself marking his maiden Test century by naming his daughter ‘Sydney’ after the city in which it was scored.

He went on to become the only batsman to score a century, a double century, a triple century, a quadruple century and a quintuple century in first class games.

For Lansiquot to hit similar heights is a big ask, but she has made an eye-catching start – inspired by Britain’s fastest-ever woman, Dina Asher-Smith (circle).

“I’m definitely looking to follow in her footsteps,” said the starlet. “I’m in my first year at the same university (Kings College, London) where Dina studied.

“She’s the British record holder for 100m and 200m and left Kings with a 2:1, so she’s a huge inspiration to me.”

Eleven days ago Lansiquot won sprint relay gold for Britain at the World Cup. Making a name for herself.