Muir sets her sights on Dame Kelly Holmes’ 1,000m record

Laura Muir turns her attention to breaking Dame Kelly Holmes’ 1,000m British record at the 12th Diamond League of the season in Birmingham after making history at the European Championships.

Muir became the first British woman to win 1,500m European outdoor gold in Berlin and now the Milnathort athlete has Holmes’ 21-year-old 1,000m British record of`2:32.55 in her sights.

The Scot said: “We British athletes are incredibly lucky to have such a great event straight on the back of a major championships – if gives us the opportunity to say thank you to the amazing British fans for all of their support through the European Championships, and obviously we all want to put on a show for them and perform really well too.

“I’ve had some great times in Birmingham – I remember that when I broke the British 1,000m record indoors there last February the crowd were so loud that I couldn’t hear my footsteps or sense where anyone else was in the race – it was crazy – so I’m sure it’ll be much the same on Saturday at the Alexander Stadium.”

On Dame Kelly Holmes’ time to beat, 2:32.55, Muir said: “First and foremost, I am looking to win the race but if I can break the British record in doing so that would be fantastic.”

Muir and European heptathlon silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson are among the 13 European medal-winning Brits looking to continue their memorable 2018 season in Birmingham.

European 5,000m silver medallist Eilish McColgan contests the 3,000m, lining up against the multi-medalled Hellen Obiri (Kenya) and Caroline Kipkirui (Kenya) winner of the opening Diamond League 3,000m in Doha in May with what is still the fastest time of 2018 – 8:29.05.

Kinross athlete Eilidh Doyle faces a strong field in the 400m hurdles including Janieve Russell (Jamaica) and US athletes Georganne Molene and Shamier Little as well as GB colleague Meghan Beesley.

Former Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion Greg Rutherford will compete in the long jump for the final time before retiring.