British sprinters won’t get a better chance, says world hero Campbell

GREAT Britain’s male sprinters may never get a better chance to end the country’s wait for a global 100 or 200 metres medal than at the World Championships in London this summer, according to Darren Campbell.

It is 14 years since Campbell himself landed 100m bronze at the World Championships in Paris. Since then not one of his compatriots has troubled the podium in either event on the global stage.

The current hopefuls will go head to head at the trials at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium this weekend for the right to take on the world’s best in the capital in August, with the top two guaranteed spots on the British team.

The likes of CJ Ujah, who this season has run a wind-assisted 9.95 seconds and also has two 10.02secs clockings, and Adam Gemili, with a best this year of 10.08s, are the leading contenders over 100m, while the United Statesbased Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake leads the 200m rankings with 20.04.

On the world stage, only one man, American Christian Coleman, has run under 9.90 this year for 100m, while he is just one of two to have gone under 19.90 for 200m.

With Usain Bolt unable to break 10 seconds in his two 100m outings so far, and not due to compete in the 200m in London, his major championship swansong, the field for both events appears more open that it has done in years. Campbell feels Britain’s contenders cannot afford to pass up an opportunity to make the podium.

“If I was competing this would be one of those years where I would be rubbing my hands, going, ‘OK, the window’s open,’” said Campbell, who won gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2004 Olympics.

“We’ve got guys with experience, the key now is what do they really believe. Now is a opportunity to show what they’re capable of.

“This World Championships is an opportunity for them to do something. but you’re going to have to believe in yourself 100 per cent.”