Golden duo give Muir more confidence

LAURA MUIR is hopeful of joining Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson as the golden girls of the British team at the World Championships.

Muir came through a rapid 1500metres semi-final to comfortably qualify for tomorrow’s showpiece in only her second race since suffering a torn calf at the Anniversary Games in London in July.

And after 200m gold for Asher-Smith on Wednesday and Johnson-Thompson’s heptathlon success last night, the 26-year-old said she was inspired to follow suit. “Those two have done so well,” said Muir (left).

“For Dina to run two British records and Kat to get gold — that’s fantastic to see. It boosts morale for me and the whole team and it’s amazing for both of them. “When it comes to 1500m, anything is possible. You can win and you can come last, it’s just one of those races.

“Yeah, I’m going into the final with more confidence than before and I’m going there to try to win a medal.”

Muir had the perfect start to the championships with a slow but steady heat that she eased through.

However, her semi-final was nearly 15sec faster than the first one, with the Scot finishing third behind American Jenny Simpson and her training p a r t n e r, the Canadian Gabriela Debues-Stafford.

Having experienced such different races going into the final, Muir added: “It’s nice to have had a slower and more technical one and then a faster one.

“It gives me a lot of confidence I can run 4.01 in that company and feel comfortable.

“It’s hard coming back from injury, but I’m so happy to be here, be competitive and I’m looking forward to the final.”

⬤ Women’s 1500m final, tomorrow, 6.55pm, BBC One