Eilish now focusing on Games
EILISH McCOLGAN will shelve her disappointment at missing the qualification mark for next month’s European Championships to focus on making an impact in her home Commonwealth Games, writes JOHN BARRETT.
The Scottish steeplechaser will meet up with her mother and coach Liz today to map out preparations.
McColgan’s time of 9.44 was outside the required standard but all that’s on her mind is to return to Hampden in two weeks and show her real ability.
“I’m really disappointed I didn’t make the qualifying time but, if someone had said a few months ago I’d be down to running 9.44, I would have taken it,” she said.
“But having made big improvements over the last few weeks, to be just outside that mark means I’m gutted. I’ve lost a lot of confidence with everything that’s happened and was scared to commit in the first half of the race.
“I was really strong over the second half so I have to take the positives.
“I ran six seconds quicker than my race at the trials and about 32 seconds quicker than my first race of the season.
“The Commonwealth Games are so important and I need to make sure I’m in the best possible shape. It’s just been one illness after another. I’ve been ill seven times since November with colds, viruses and fatigue.
“But I’m confident I can make some improvements in the next few days.”