Child wants Scots event
EILIDH CHILD has called for more top-class athletics events to be held in Scotland — after being denied the chance to compete in her own country this summer. The Commonwealth Games silver medallist gets her first solo outing of 2015 when she takes on Katarina Johnson-Thompson over the 200metres hurdles in tomorrow’s Great City Games in Manchester, before doubling up in the 400m and relay in what will be a record 10th appearance at the annual contest. Child is also set to spearhead Scotland’s team at next week’s Loughborough International but, with no A-list outdoor meetings in her home country, and with August’s National Championships clashing with the Worlds in Beijing, the 28-year-old has pleaded with athletics bosses to see sense. ‘The Diamond League at Hampden last year was brilliant and then the Commonwealths were incredible,’ said Child. ‘So it’s a shame. I’d love it if they got a street race in Glasgow. ‘I’d love to run in the Scottish Championships, but I can never do it because it always clashes with another event. It is really disappointing.’ European indoor medallist Kirsten McAslan, fresh from winning the British Universities title, will face Child in the 400m at Loughborough, with Scottish hammer rivals Mark Dry and Chris Bennett set to face off. Others, including Jake Wightman and Guy Learmonth, are in line for places in a meeting that also features a British Junior team plus a Loughborough Student Select.