SECOND BEST..? ALL THE WAY JAKOB’S TRACKERS
Andy hunts Scandi star with help from foe
Andrew Butchart says a go get ’em message from crocked rival Chris O’Hare will spur him on in today’s pursuit of Euro glory in Poland.
The Dunblane dynamo cruised into the 3000metres showpiece at the European Indoor Championships, winning yesterday’s heat in Torun in 7:46:46.
It is a golden chance for the Rio Olympic finalist to land a first major medal at age 29.
To savour success he’ll have to go through defending champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who is on course for a double following his roller-coaster 1500m victory on Friday.
But Butchart has revealed he’s under orders to deliver from O’Hare, who took silver in the event in Glasgow two years ago only to miss out this time after hip surgery.
He said: “It feels like I should have had a medal before now but to get one would be massive.
“Seeing Chris get one in Glasgow was huge. He messaged me saying, ‘Retain it!’. I’ll do my best to do that.
“I feel I have the tools to have what it takes and hopefully I bring one home.”
Norwegian Ingebrigtsen had to wait until the early hours of yesterday for off icials to overturn his disputed d i squa l i f icat ion for stepping off the track in the 1500m.
However, Butchart is adamant the
20-year-old Scandi star isn’t unbeatable. The Scot added: “He knows what he’s doing. Although he’s young, he’s very mature.
“But there are a lot of people who can get an upset. This will be a very good European final.” Reigning world indoor champion Andrew Pozzi underlined his billing as favourite in the 60m hurdles by cruising through yesterday’s heat in 7.52 seconds.
The Brit, based in Italy, said: “I feel really good. It was a little bit tentative to the first hurdle but I just wanted to be safe. It was encouraging but I can get much better.” Tiffany Porter, along with sister Cindy Sember, rocketed into the semis in the hurdles. Porter runs in a face mask but said: “It’s not a big deal. I train every day in a mask. It’s just an added level of protection for me. I train every day in it so it’s part of my normal now.” Guy Learmonth suffered a major letdown after exiting the 800m in the semi-finals. The Borderer, 28, was fourth in 1:47.92 after being caught out by an early break from Spain’s Mariano Garcia. He said: “It’s frustrating. I’ve prepared for everything but been caught out. I’m disappointed in myself.”
BUTCH AND SOME CHANCE Andy wins his 3000m heat (main) as Ingebrigsten (left) savours 1500m gold