You can tell a lot about a person by the company she keeps, writes Mark Woods.
A glance at the 800 metres entry list for tonight's Prefontaine Class in Oregon illustrates Lynsey Sharp is now cemented among the elite. Yet after claiming silver at both European and Commonwealth level in 2014, the Scot is still seeking to raise her status while pursuing the global medals she covets most.
A fine showing in Eugene would be a promising portent. The field sports six women, Glasgow 2014 victor Eunice Sum included, who have gone under the time of one minute and 58 seconds that represents the Scot's next benchmark. "Pre's going to be better than the world final," she confirmed. "There's so much depth in the event. But having medals at Europeans and Commonwealths makes the worlds the next step. That's definitely the target."
The Diamond League meeting represents the start of a trans-Atlantic swing for the 24-year-old that she trusts will set her up for the summer's grandest stages. Two weeks in Boston with her coach Terrence Mahon will be followed by an outing in New York.
"So it will be like a mini-training camp," she adds. "The winter has gone well. It's the first time I've had a proper winter since 2008 so I feel strong and in good shape. I've been asking if I can do some fun sessions and run 800s but I keep getting told: 'the worlds aren't until August.' So I feel I'm holding back. My first race was encouraging considering I never open fast."
Minus Sharp, Edinburgh AC will look to better last year's fifth place when they represent the UK in the European Clubs Championship in Mirsan, Turkey despite visa issues which delayed the arrival of some of their squad until yesterday.
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