Olympics: Colin Jackson believes hurdler Eilidh Child has the look of finalist

Published on 06/07/2012 00:00

Former World champion Colin Jackson believes Eilidh Child can make the London 2012 final next month.

The Scottish hurdler is heading to her first Olympics at the age of 25 after winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi two years ago. Child is ranked No 1 in Britain – ahead of Perri Shakes-Drayton – and has won six races out of seven this season as well as setting a Scottish record for 400m hurdles.

Jackson has watched the Pitreavie AAC athlete develop under the tutelage of coach Malcolm Arnold over the past few months and feels she can reap the benefit of her decision to relocate to Bath come the Olympics. “Eilidh is looking very strong at the moment,” said Jackson, the Welsh former World, European and Commonwelath champion who will be part of the BBC commentary team for London 2012.

“I think 100 per cent a place in the hurdles final at London 2012 is achievable. There’s work to be done towards that, of course there is. I think so much is possible for her now.

“Eilidh made a massive commitment in giving up her job [as a PE teacher at Perth Grammar] and moving south to Bath last summer. It is always great when you see an athlete making that kind of sacrifice in their life. She was taking her sport so seriously she felt she just had to commit to it. And I believe that move has assisted Eilidh’s performance. She proved that in securing three ‘A’ qualification standards for the Olympics in a fortnight in June.

“I have spoken to Malcolm Arnold about Eilidh, and he’s very happy with her technique and her attitude. She works very hard. You can never discount that element. She is exceptional in that sense – believe me. I honestly feel she knows she is reaping the benefits so she’s happy to keep doing more training. Sometimes you hit periods like that in your career.’

Shakes-Drayton headed Child in the UK Championships in Birmingham last month – albeit when Child knew second place was enough for an Olympic slot.

Jackson added: “Eilidh has to be herself and not take any notice of anyone else. You have to focus on your own stride pattern in hurdling. It requires concentration and she is showing that in abundance this season. I still have a feeling this could be Eilidh’s year and hopefully we see that at the Olympics.”