The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Reekie runs personal best to extend streak
Jemma Reekie extended her winning streak with another dominant display over 800 metres last night at the Janusza Kusocinski Memorial meeting in Chorzow.
After topping the world rankings indoors with a ferocious run in Glasgow in February, the 22-year-old delivered the fastest time of 2020 in the open air of 1:58.63 by demolishing her outdoor personal best on the Polish leg of the Continental Tour.
Once again, the Ayrshire athlete scattered her rivals on the closing lap, easing clear to finish almost a second and a half in front of Poland’s home favourite Sofia Ennaoui.
Remarkably, it was a third victory inside seven days on this tour of Europe that has proven, beyond doubt, that she is a genuine contender for Olympic gold, whether in Tokyo next year or in Paris beyond. The well of self-confidence, even among the best of company, is full to the brim.
Her coach Andy Young has placed her on a relentlessly upward trajectory. And Reekie claims a change of focus towards pure racing has been key.
“In the past I’ve probably tried to run personal bests,” she revealed. “Andy told me to forget that and just try to win races and that worked. I finally listened to him. It’s the same now, carrying on what has been going right.”
Jake Wightman faded to fifth in the men’s 800m in 1:46.11 after challenging off the last bend.
The Scot, who became the fourth-fastest European over 1,500m in Monaco earlier this month, ran out of steam as Kenya’s Ferguson Cheruiyot claimed victory.
The European and Commonwealth medallist is now set for a showdown in Gothenburg on Saturday with fellow Scot Guy Learmonth, who opted out of Chorzow.
Eilish McColgan had a bold crack at victory but ended up seventh in a rare 800m outing at last night’s BMC Grand Prix in Trafford as UK indoor champion Keely Hodgkinson won in 2:04.15.
Erin Wallace came second to Amy Griffith in the women’s 1,500m with Eloise Walker fourth, while training partner Sol Sweeney slipped to sixth in the men’s 1,500m behind Daniel Bebbington.