GB can rise to challenge – Eilidh

Friday 19th June 2015

Eilidh Child celebrates Euro Champs success in Zurich last summer

Eilidh Child knows she will have a ‘target on my back’ at the Euro Team Champs in Russia. Or the front of her vest, perhaps.

As the European champion over 400m hurdles, the Scottish Athlete of the Year will be deemed favourite in Cheboksary this weekend.

In Zurich last August, the rankings leader in each event had to wear a special number to signify their No 1 status.

So, ahead of this weekend’s championships in Russia, Child would not have it any other way and will seek to meet and deliver on the expectations as one of the more experienced members of the British squad.

Eilidh (3.15pm), Kirsty Law (1.10pm) and Lennie Waite (4.15pm) are in action during Saturday’s afternoon’s programme in Cheboksary with Jax Thoirs (1.05pm), Guy Learmonth (2.15pm) and Andrew Butchart (1.02pm) competing on Sunday.

Euro Team Champs timetable

‘There is always a keen sense of responsibility when you are representing GB and NI and even more so in an event like this one – the Euro Team Champs,’ said Eilidh.

‘From the moment you are selected or assemble with the team you are told the points the team is hoping to get from your event so that you are left in no doubt. I think will be told: just win.

I guess that comes with the territory as the European champion in the event I guess and the truth is I’d much rather be in this position after Zurich last year than be coming to Russia as ‘someone who finished fifth’ in the Euro Champs.

‘I had to wear the special vest in Zurich because of the times I had run that season so I am used to the pressure. I think I dealt with pressure fine during 2014.

‘I think as a team then GB and NI can do well here. We were one of the dominant nations at the Euro Champs in Switzerland last summer so that augurs well.

‘There are a few new faces with us in Cheboksary and hopefully one or two of them can make a name for themselves. It is exciting and we’d love to perform well.’