Backlash as ‘late entrant’ Muir clinches 800m
British Athletics accused of ‘favouritism’ by rivals Scot insists she accepted place inside the deadline
The British Championships were mired in controversy yesterday when angry athletes accused organisers of “playing games” and showing favouritism to Laura Muir after learning the Scot had been added to the 800metres start list just hours before her first race en route to winning the national title.
Muir, a 1500m runner, brushed aside the 800m field to claim gold in Birmingham despite an official protest being lodged, questioning her right to compete in the race.
Her name had been absent from the online entry list in the build-up to the competition and her coach only confirmed Muir would contest the 800m, rather than her specialist 1500m, on Friday night.
British Athletics rules state the closing date for accepting an invitation to compete was last Monday, prompting some of Muir’s beaten rivals to cry foul over her entry. “Games have been played all week by individuals and our governing body, which is meant to be unbiased,” said former European champion Lynsey Sharp, who was fifth.
“You can call me bitter but I play by the rules and I came here prepared, based on what I knew the field was going to be and that was different on Saturday morning. Throughout the week we prepare for what we know our competitors are going to be. To throw something else in the mix overnight is playing a game. It wasn’t fair.”
Revee Walcott-nolan, who was sixth, accused British Athletics of favouritism, saying: “If the rules are there they should be stuck to. If it was me that wouldn’t have been allowed.”
Both Muir and British Athletics denied any special dispensation was given, insisting her entry was submitted in time but failed to show on the public entry list.
“British Athletics can confirm that no athlete entered in the women’s 800m has been granted late entry or showed favouritism in any manner,” said a spokeswoman.
“We have data that shows the time and date of all athletes entry confirmations, with all competing at these championships submitting their online forms on or before the closing date of Monday, June 25.”
Telegraph Sport has seen a spreadsheet of British Championship entries, which suggests Muir accepted a place in the 800m and 1500m at 6.08pm on Sunday, June 24. She did not compete in the 1500m. Muir is the fastest 800m runner in Britain this year and won in two minutes 1.22 seconds, with Shelayna Oskan-clarke second and Adelle Tracey third.
Muir insisted that running the 800m in Birmingham had been the plan “for quite a few months”. She said: “We accepted the entry for the 800m over a week ago. It just didn’t update online. I’m European lead in 800m and 1500m, so I don’t know if it’s a huge surprise for me to do the 800m.”
Elsewhere, Nethaneel Mitchellblake beat Adam Gemili to the 200m crown and Andrew Pozzi regained the 110m hurdles British title in 13.61s, but Katarina Johnsonthompson came 13th in the javelin with 39.98m after her silver medal in the high jump on Saturday.
Dai Greene, who has endured years of injury problems, won the 400m hurdles in 50.06. Beth Dobbin won the women’s 200m, while Chris O’hare triumphed in the men’s 1500m.