Muir smashes British mile record
THE Laura Muir gritted-teeth face has acquired a legend of its own. She is not one for half-measures.
And the Scot was fully locked in for her pursuit of another slice of history in Birmingham yesterday, ripping apart a British mile record that had stood unbroken for 31 years by clocking 4:18.75 for victory at the Muller Grand Prix.
It ended the supremacy of fellow Scot Kirsty Wade, slicing five seconds off the previous best. Officially, the third-fastest performance ever at the distance. Also the quickest 1,500metres — 4:01.83 — by a Briton of all-time.
The 25-year-old said: ‘In terms of fatigue, I’m used to being tired almost every day. We train really hard, at the intensity I race at. What you saw there is not too far away from what I’m like most days of the week.’
A warning to her rivals at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 12 days’ time. Muir will look to repeat the 1,500-3,000m golden double from Belgrade in 2017. Who would bet against her?
‘It tees me up in a perfect way,’ she grinned. ‘To run one of the fastest times ever, and a British record, as your last race before a home championships is ideal.’
‘There are no questions about my ability to execute on the day.’
With Muir heading the pack, there could be nine Scots in the GB team when it is unveiled today.
It would have been unthinkable to deny Eilidh Doyle another crack at a relay gong but she all but sealed an individual slot with second in the 400m after a season-best 52.43.
She’ll be joined by Eilish McColgan, who finished seventh in the 3,000m, but Lynsey Sharp will have no complaints about missing out after coming fifth in the 800m.
Also set for the sidelines is Josh Kerr, who was fourth behind Samuel Tefera, who broke the 1,500m world record with 3:31.04.