Athletes urged to be ‘fearless’ in medal pursuit

BRITISH Athletics chief Christian Malcolm has urged his team’s stars to heed the example of Keely Hodgkinson and show “no fear” as they build towards the delayed Olympics in Tokyo later this year.

The 19-year-old capped her senior international debut by storming to victory in the women’s 800 metres at the European Indoor Championships in Torun at the weekend.

Tokyo is likely to come too soon for Hodgkinson to make an impression herself but Malcolm, who took up the role of Olympics head coach in 2020, believes the manner of Britain’s 12-medal haul in Torun bodes well for the future.

He said: “I never put expectations on medals so to get 12 is good but I think more importantly, the athletes drove an attitude of being able to step up to competition and be fearless.

“You have to be fearless in these competitions. It’s not about being scared of what your opponents will do, it’s trying to focus on what you can do.”

Malcom said Hodgkinson should not rush towards Tokyo, indicating instead that Paris in 2024 may prove a more sensible target for the Wigan-born star.

He added: “I think it is about her development at this stage. She has shown she is in great shape but we want her to have a long and fruitful career as well.

“Sometimes being thrust into a major championships a bit early, some athletes benefit, but for others it is about taking a step back.

“There are three big championships next year which she can pick from if she decides not to go for the Olympics. There won’t be any pressure from me.”