Glasgow bar is raised but Pooley misses out
ISOBEL Pooley admits she will be a woman on a mission when she returns to Scotland after leaving the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix wondering what might have been.
Pooley was treated to a sneak peak of what is around the corner as she took to a transformed Hampden Park – the athletics venue for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
But much more than that, the 21-year-old was going in search of a European Championship qualifying standard which is just two centimetres above her personal best at 1.93m.
However, after sailing over her opening three heights at the first time of asking and then navigating 1.89m at the third attempt, 1.93m proved a step too far for the Fleet athlete as she finished fourth.
That means Pooley will have to make do with just the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games this summer as she misses out on a trip to Zurich for the European Championships.
And, after tasting disappointment in Scotland, Pooley is determined to not let lightning strike twice when she returns to Hampden Park in a little over a fortnight’s time.
“I am really disappointed because that showed me that I am so close to jumping 1.93m but I just couldn’t manage it,” said Pooley, who hopes to compete throughout the Summer Series – events proudly backed by long-term supporter Sainsbury’s.
“I have never been closer and on my first attempt I was practically over the bar but it still fell down. But while it is promising that it is there, it is so frustrating that I didn’t jump it because it means that I won’t be going to the Europeans now, which sucks.
“But I felt good out there so I will just have to come back for the Commonwealth Games now and make sure I get on that podium, which after that, I am confident of doing.
“While I’m angry I didn’t jump 1.93m I know it is there and it was a shame I couldn’t do it here because it meant I would go to the Europeans, I know it is there and I will hopefully come back and do it and the Commonwealths.”
While disappointed to not grab a plane ticket to Zurich next month, Pooley doesn’t have the time to wallow in self misery with the Commonwealth Games fast approaching.
It will be her Games debut but, after getting a warm Scottish welcome at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow Grand Prix, Pooley can’t wait to take to the big stage.
“I am really excited about the Commonwealth Games,” she added. “It was really good to go to the stadium and get a feel for everything ahead of the doing it for real.
“The crowd were great and gave us all a big cheer so hopefully it will be packed out when I come back and I can give them something to cheer.”
l Sainsbury’s is proud to support British Athletics through the Summer Series events and is committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. For more information visit www.sainsburys.co.uk/ legacy