JEMMA Simpson will run in the European Athletic Championships 800m Final knowing she it could book her place at the Olympics.
The 28-year-old knows if she can run within the Olympic A-standard – under 1:59:9 – she will be guaranteed selection to London 2012.
Simpson finished second in the Olympic trials event at Birmingham last weekend but her time was just short of meeting the A-standard meaning her place would be down to the judges discretion – unless she can finish the job off in Helsinki.
Despite the tension Simpson managed to guarantee her place in the 800 metres final – though it was by the skin of her teeth as the Cornish athlete found herself boxed in and able only to finish third. Her time of 2:01.64 was quick enough to guarantee a fastest loser spot.
Fellow Bri Lynsey Sharp, who won the British trials but also failed to meet the A-standard also secured her place in the European Final so the pair will battle to secure their place in Team GB.
Jemma, said: “I just feel like every race I’m a lot stronger. It’s just about getting my strength back – I’ve not had many proper races this season so I am gradually getting back, and that was probably the strongest I have felt, especially down the home straight.
“That’s usually where my strength, is so it’s nice to know that is still there. The final should be a good race. I just hope to get my legs back, after competing at the trials, and I’ll see how it goes.
“I am thinking about that A-standard but it’s going to be tough, Lynsey and I are in the final, so if it’s quick I will give it a go.”
Simpson does have two A standard runs from last year which might be taken into consideration though she can put the matter beyond doubt with a solid run this evening in Helsinki – provided she isn’t boxed out of the race around a notoriously tight track.
She told Spar, sponsors of UK athletics: “The bends are tight. I can see what they mean, though, and why people are getting disqualified – it’s not so bad for me but some of those bigger guys – the lanes almost feel thinner.
“The track is fast and if conditions are good I will be going for the A standard, for sure.”
Three girls will be selected to run for Team GB in the 800m and Jenny Meadows, who already has achieved the A-standard, was unable to compete in the British trials and was forced to sensationally withdraw from the European Championships after her troublesome right achilles tendon swelled again on the flight from London.
The 31-year-old has warned Britain’s selectors she will lodge an immediate appeal if they duo not choose her next Monday for the Olympic team – even though she has not ran a competitive race in 2012.