Bolton Harriers duo Tom Lancashire and Brian Hall were in sparkling form at the UK Championships and World Trial last weekend in Manchester. Lancashire picked up his first Senior National medal with Bronze in a tactical 1500m race, while High Jumper Hall came agonisingly close to the podium, eventually finishing 4th.
For 22 year-old Lancashire it was further confirmation that he is over the fatigue problems which dogged him earlier in the season, but he may be coming into form just too late to book himself a trip to the World Championships in Osaka in late August. "I'm still building at the moment but I have another chance next week and I feel I am shape to run a lifetime best." said LancashireOn Sunday he looked good on the final lap as he strode out in pursuit of hot favourite and eventual winner Andy Baddeley. However his lack of race sharpness caught up with him in the final metres, as Steven Davies overhauled him for Silver. The former European Junior medallist admitted "I think maybe I'm still not quite sharp enough for a heat and a final in 2 days and I tied up a bit at the end".
With Baddeley sure to be selected as the only athlete with the A standard, selectors have suggested that they may take a younger athlete who has only the B standard for development purposes. As Britain's leading Under 23 Lancashire would fit into that category, but so might Davies, only a year his senior. The pair will race at Crystal Palace on Friday where Lancashire must beat his rival and run a personal best in the region of 3:37 to stand a chance. His current best stands at 3:38.95.
Although Hall is not in line for Osaka selection, his performance was arguably even more impressive as he was ranked lowest of the 13 finallists with a personal best of 2.16m. As his opponents wilted in the heat however, Hall rose to the occasion, clearing a magnificent new personal best height of 2.18m on his final attempt to tie with 3 rivals including British No.1 germaine Mason. As they took fewer attempts to clear the height Hall lost out countback, but was delighted with a superb performance. It was the second year in succession that the 24 year-old History student has jumped a personal best at the Championships. The Gold medal was won by Martin Bernard with a leap of 2.25m