SCOTTISH athletics is in its best health in recent memory and that was illustrated once again with the confirmation that a record-breaking seventeen Scots have been included in the British team for the European Championships, which begin in Berlin in just under two weeks.
102 athletes have been named in the British team, which is the biggest-ever team selected for a major championships in the modern era.
Of the 17 Scots included in the team, a number have previous European Championship experience including Eilidh Doyle, the triple Commonwealth silver medallist and former European champion, who will make a record-equalling fifth appearance at the event.
Doyle won European 400m hurdles gold in 2014, as well as relay gold two years ago. The 31-year old’s preparations for this year’s event have been disrupted somewhat due to a calf injury but despite this, she is currently ranked second in Europe, only one hundredth of a second behind number one, Lea Sprunger of Switzerland and will be one of Scotland’s brightest medal hopes in Berlin if she can regain her early-season form.
Another strong medal hopeful is Laura Muir, who will only compete in the 1500m due to the flare-up of an Achilles injury, despite having originally stated she would go for the 800m-1500m double.
There are also a number of debutants headed to Berlin including Muir’s training partner, Jemma Reekie, who will be up against her compatriot in the 1500m and sprinter Beth Dobbin, who has broken the long-standing Scottish 200m record numerous times this summer.
The men’s 1500m is again dominated by Scots, with both British champion Chris O’Hare and Commonwealth medallist Jake Wightman included while Eilish McColgan and Steph Twell will contest the 5000m.
2012 European champion Lynsey Sharp has been selected for the 800m, Kirsten McAslan in the 400m hurdles, Guy Learmonth in the 800m and Zoey Clark in the relay squad.
On the field, Chris Bennett is in the hammer, David Smith, Allan Smith and Nikki Manson in the high jump and Kirsty Law in the discus.
Hopes will be high of the British team returning from Berlin with a serious medal haul with the likes of Dina Asher-Smith, Lorraine Ugen, Zharnel Hughes and Matthew Hudson-Smith all harbouring hopes of picking up silverware.
Mark Munro, the chief executive of Scottish Athletics, was understandably delighted about the size of the Scottish representation, particularly considering just six years ago at the 2012 European Championships, only four Scots donned GB vests.
‘We’ve already witnessed one of our best-ever World Indoor Championships and the best Commonwealth Games medal tally since 1990,” he said.
“Personally, I was not sure how the rest of the season would play out given three major championships is a serious undertaking in one year and I had probably accepted in my own mind that there may not be a significant Scottish contingent in Berlin for the European Championships - but I’m very happy to be wrong on that one!
“Instead, this is developing into one of our most successful summers in track and field and our coaches and clubs deserve immense credit for their efforts along with the athletes.
‘Not only are our established performers delivering on the world stage but there has been a major step-up for some new faces on the global stage which is refreshing and exciting to witness.”
British performance director Neil Black was optimistic about the number of medals the British squad can pick up and expects the event to be an important stepping-stone in the journey towards the 2020 Olympics.
“The standard of performances from British athletes since the Commonwealth Games in April has been extremely high and therefore competition for places to Berlin has been more competitive than ever,” he said.
“This is a huge opportunity for athletes to demonstrate form ahead of two global championship summers.
“The team is our largest for over 100 years and we look forward to watching them thrive under the spotlight of a major championships. These European Championships are an important marker on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and we expect to be competing for medals at every turn.”
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