Hawkins on track for Mo showdown
Marathon man Cal lum Hawkins has been tipped to hit top gear in time for Tokyo 2020 – and maybe even pip Mo Farah.
The 24- year- old Scot races in today’s Great Scottish Run in Glasgow in what is his f irst outing since finishing ninth at the Olympic marathon in Rio.
He’ l l take on English rival Chris Thompson who reckons the Kilbarchan athlete has a great future.
Thompson, 35, who took Euro silver behind Farah six years ago, said: “I’m hugely impressed with Callum.
“It was never even in my thoughts to do a marathon at his age.
“He talks intelligently – he’s done well, put that behind him and is going again. If he starts getting qu ic k e r ov e r ha l f - marathons, who knows what could happen?
“He could get some pretty amazing results.”
Hawkins is feeling his way back to full fitness after Rio but he’ll aim to give Uganda’s Moses Kipsiro, who nudged the local hero into second place last year, a run for his money. But after missing Rio following surgery, Thompson believes he now has a shot at joining the Scot at next summer’s world championships.
He said: “I still believe I can get close to a world medal. I’ve got to get myself in a position to do that.
“When Tokyo comes round, I’ll be 39 but many athletes have done well at that age. If I can get close to a medal next year, it would be a revival. Historically this is the age many guys get going at.”
I f Hawkins hits the heights in four years’ time, he could be going head to head with Farah who has vowed to have a crack at the marathon after 2017.
And long-time rival Chris said: “The guys who are running quick seem to need a few goes to get a handle on it. Mo’s done one.
“He finished in 2: 08. He knows the challenge and he’s respectful of it.”
Rio Olympian Beth Potter heads the home hopes in the women’s race today.