Chris Hoy vies with Jason Kenny for sprint selection

Published on 26/06/2012 01:32

SIR Chris Hoy is desperate to defend his three Olympic gold medals at London 2012 but admits individual sprint uncertainty is driving him to new heights as he prepares for the Games.

Due to a change in UCI rules after the Beijing Olympics in 2008 only one representative from each country can contest the sprint – and with huge pressure coming from team-mate Jason Kenny, Hoy is currently no clearer on his London 2012 schedule. Hoy claimed one of his three Beijing golds in the 200m dash four years ago; however, Team GB rival Kenny claimed the World Championship title last year in the same event, meaning the decision is far from clear-cut for British selectors.

Hoy, whose place looks assured in the team sprint and keirin, has stated his wish to go for an unprecedented treble once more in London. However, the selectors look likely to make an 11th hour decision, meaning an anxious wait for Hoy and Kenny.

“It looks like the selectors are going to leave the decision quite late,” said Bank of Scotland ambassador Hoy. “The coaches will put in the best-placed person to go out there and try and win the gold so we are both training as hard as we can and trying to make sure it is us that gets the one spot.”