by Stuart Weir
Night of the British PRs – and a National record.
It was a great evening for British athletes with George Mills’ national record in the 5000m the highlight. Mills was fourth in 12:46.59. He said afterwards: “The national record was definitely one of the things I came for – I did not get the other two: the European record and the win. I was close to both taking 12 seconds off my personal best so I am delighted with that. I felt I took the race on well, being patient and building momentum which was my focus tonight. I had the courage to take it on and be aggressive. The race was stacked and billed as a world record attempt so to be in the mix was important”.
Elise Thorner was seventh in the 3000m steeplechase in 9:12.06 almost two seconds better than her previous PR. As she had not seen the time on the scoreboard, I had the fun task of telling her she had a PR.
She summed up her experience: “It was my first Diamond League and I was really cautious. I have so much respect for everyone in the field. It was hard going out with world class athletes and knowing my own pace. The atmosphere was amazing”.
Elliot Giles was seventh in the Dream Mile in 3:49.16, a two second PR. He said: “The race was slowing down and when we got to the top bend on the last lap, I saw a small gap I thought I had to go for it. Perhaps I went harder than I should have. It was my first time in the Dream Mile and Olso is one of the best meets in the world so great to be here. This year I’m concentrating on the 1500 now it’s back to training”.
Dina Asher-Smith was third in the 100m in 11.08, behind her training partner, Julien Alfred (10.89). Dina said: “I feel great – I have been training really well and I’m healthy so I’m really happy to be here. I’m disappointed not to win, athletes always want to win of course but I’ll go back to training and adjust some things so everything will be fine. I did something different this year by opening with some 400s and now, I’m focusing on my speedwork. The Stockholm Diamond League is next and this year is obviously all about the World Championships in Tokyo – the aim of is to make the 100m and 200m finals, and I do believe I can run really well and get into the medals”. Darryl Neita was seventh in 100 in 11.20.
Amber Anning was third in the 400m in 50.24, commenting: “It is a season’s best which I am happy with but I still have work to do before Sunday in Stockholm. I went off strong, maybe a bit lapse in the back straight but then a good finish so I was pleased with this. It is a quick turnaround before Sunday so it is back to my physio now then travel to Stockholm. I am told it is a scenic train ride so I am looking forward to that. The crowd here were noisy and very excited which was great for us”.
Zac Shaw ran 10.81 in a mixed classification Para athletics race where positions are meaningless. Max Burgin was listed in the 800 but did not run.
On Wednesday evening Calli Hauger-Thackeray ran 30:54.64, a three second PR for sixth place in a 10k race.
