OLYMPIC champion Sally Gunnell believes world silver medallist Nicola Sanders now knows more about herself than ever this year and has backed her to prove it.
The 28-year-old has suffered indifferent fortunes since claiming 400m silver at the World Championships in Osaka behind fellow Brit Christine Ohuruogu two years ago.
Hampered by injuries Sanders failed to make the Olympic final in 2008 as Ohuruogu took gold before crashing out of the heats at last summer’s World Championships.
Sanders has ran individually over 400m just twice this year clocking a best of 53.95seconds but Gunnell is adamant she is now smart enough to break the rut this year.
Gunnell said: “Nicola has been unlucky in the past and has picked up a few niggles and injuries but she is still a good runner and has a fast race in her.
“I think since she won silver at the World Championships in 2007 she had learnt that she can’t race too often in a year.
“It is different to how it used to be and it takes longer to get into racing and I think in the last year in particular she has learnt a lot about her body.
“She needs a couple of races to get going but once she does she will find her form and that isn’t too far off.”
Sanders was initially down to run individually over 400m at the European Team Championships over the weekend but was drafted into the 4x400m relay team instead.
The Amersham ace helped a below-strength Great Britain to fourth place in that race and with the European trials following this weekend Gunnell believes competition for places will aid Sanders.
Gunnell said: “I was pleased that Nicola went to the European Team Championships and I can see her get back up there this year.
“The trials are so important and I think that has been shown over the past couple of years – everyone pushes each other one and you see the best coming out.
“But it isn’t just about winning the trials – it is all about keeping that momentum going and going from being the best in the country to be the best in Europe or the world.”
l The Aviva Elevating Athletics Fund provides free training and support to every single teacher in the UK. To find out more visit aviva.co.uk/athletics
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here