The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Britain finish third in first World Cup
Hosts perform better on second day to move up as USA claim title
Great Britain recovered from a disappointing opening day to finish third at the inaugural World Cup in London’s Olympic Stadium.
USA, who had finished Saturday as the clear leaders, went on to take top spot with Poland in second and the hosts just holding off Jamaica.
Scottish debutant Gemma Reekie placed third in the 1,500 metres on the opening day but the men’s team had a disappointing opening session.
The men stepped up yesterday, though, with Commonwealth hammer champion Nick Miller (Border AC) leading the way with a throw of 76.14 metres to finish second behind Polish winner Wojciech Nowicki’s 77.94.
The veteran of the team, 32-year-old Dai Greene, the world 400m hurdles champion in 2011, battled to third place in 49.48 seconds as Kenny Selmon (USA) won in 48.97.
Neil Gourley (Giffnock North) celebrated his debut for the GB senior team with a fine third in the 1,500 metres behind race favourite Marcin Lewandowski’s (Poland) 3:52.88. Gourley, who ran a personal best of 3:36.54 in Italy last week, clocked 3:53.24 following a slow tactical first 800m.
Edinburgh AC’s Beth Dobbin, having broken the Scottish 200m record four times this season, was outside her personal best with 22.95 but had the satisfaction of third place in her GB debut. In a dramatic finish Sherika Jackson (Jamaica) overhauled Jenna Prandini to win in 22.35.
Dobbin said: “The atmosphere was great. The race was a blur but I’m happy to finish third. The crowd were amazing, almost overwhelming.”
Raevyn Rogers (USA) put in a strong finish to win the 800m in 2:00.20, while early leader Adelle Tracey claimed second place for GB in 2:01.05.
All-rounder Morgan Lake increased the GB tally with second in the high jump, clearing 1.93m.
A fabulous performance in the relay saw the GB quartet of Asha Philip, Imani Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Sharon Hylton power their way to victory in 42.52 seconds as the USA pulled up in the opening 100.
The men’s 4x400m team suffered a bizarre last-gasp withdrawal from the final event following an injury to Owen Smith, the team clinging on to third place in the final standings.
On the opening day, Kilbarchan athlete Reekie made a successful debut for the senior team.
It was a race to remember for the 20-year-old who not only claimed six points for the British side but also posted a lifetime best of 4:09.05.
Rachel Schneider (USA) made a move with 300 metres left but it was Pole Sofia Ennaoui who had the fastest finish, with Reekie, the 2017 European Under 20 champion, hanging on for third.
Reekie said: “It was really fun. I wanted to come out here and have fun in my first senior appearance for GB, and to come out here and get a PB and a medal out of it is fantastic.
“I actually felt really relaxed. I said to myself just go out and enjoy it. Anything else is a bonus this year as I have already done so well.
“I am competing against world-class athletes regularly now so I am getting more experienced every race.
“I am so happy to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland, especially here in London. I have never had such a big cheer before so the whole experience was fantastic.”
Top points for the GB team came in the pole vault where Holly Bradshaw cleared a winning 4.75 metres, while team captain Lorraine Ugen won the long jump with an outstanding 8.86m.
Meghan Beesley excelled over 400m hurdles, placing second behind Commonwealth champion Janieve Russell, with 55.90 behind the Jamaican’s 53.46.
Sophie Hitchon claimed second in the hammer throw with 73.48m.
Final team standings: 1 USA 219, 2 Poland 162, 3 GB 155, 4 Jamaica 153, 5 France 146, 6 Germany 137, 7 S Africa 135, 8 China 81.