EILISH McCOLGAN might be battling it out at the back of the field in tonight’s Diamond League 1,500 metres final in Zurich but the Scot says smashing the four-minute mark would be a job well done.
The 28-year-old, with a personal best of 4:00.97, arrives at the star-studded Weltklasse meeting fresh from a dominant 5,000m win last Sunday at the British Championships that booked her spot at the World Championships in Doha.
With defending champion Laura Muir sidelined, the Diamond trophy could pass to Glasgow-based training partner Gabi Stafford, who is joint top of the standings with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
But McColgan, who will be joined in the event by fellow Scot Jemma Reekie, admits taking part is a golden opportunity to test herself.
She said: “It’s one of these bucket list things, rather than it being anything to do with my event. I’ve no qualms about going to the Diamond League final and coming last. But it’s good training [and] speed work. And there aren’t that many women in the world who have broken four minutes. If I could do it I’d be absolutely buzzing.
“I feel like I’m in shape to get it. I just need a good strong pace. And it could give me some confidence going back to the 5000 in Doha.”
The Dundonian is among five Scots to have been selected for the inaugural Europe v USA match in Minsk next month, joining Beth Dobbin, Jake Wightman, Lynsey Sharp and Reekie in the line-up. But it’s all about being ready to take on the world, McColgan said.
“I’ll do the mile at the City Games in Newcastle and then the Europe v USA match at 3000m and then head back to San Moritz, armed with
all that info and see what I’m missing.”
After his own cruise to the UK title, Andy Butchart is ready to go for broke in the 5,000 metres final in Zurich. It will be the last pre-Doha tune-up for the 27-year-old from Dunblane and his own Scottish record of 13:06.21 is in his sights.
He said: “I want a fast race. Even though I ran under 14 minutes on Sunday, I think I’m in the shape to run under 13 just now. If the conditions are good and race goes out, I’ve no qualms about going for it. I’m not worried about peaking too soon. You can maintain that condition for a while. I’ve been in shape since May and I’m getting faster. But I’d like a fast time.”
Adam Gemili and Zharnel Hughes will go in the men’s 100m final, while standings leader Dina Asher-Smith will chase the Diamond trophy – and a $50,000 prize - in the women’s 200m.
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