Athletics: Greene relishes Glasgow outing

Published on 22/01/2013 01:15

TWO of Britain’s Olympic finalists will go head-to-head in a rare 600 metres contest at the British Athletics Glasgow International Match on Saturday.

Andrew Osagie, who was eighth in the 800m at the London Games, will drop down in distance to take on world 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene at the Emirates Arena. Both athletes will have their sights set on Ikem Billy’s 28-year-old British indoor record of one minute 17.6 seconds. “I had a fantastic year in 2012,” Osagie said. “To win a World Indoor medal (bronze), reach the Olympic final and run a personal best all in the same year was a dream come true. I want to keep this momentum going and the indoor events in the British Athletics Series give me a perfect platform to do just that.” Greene will make his first appearance over 600m for nearly seven years and the 26-year-old Welshman is keen to get his new season off to a flier after finishing fourth in the Olympic final. “This year I will be defending my world title so it’s really important that I hit the ground running in Glasgow,” Greene said.

“To compete at this brand new facility in front of a packed crowd is something I’m really excited about. It will be the first time I have run indoors since 2007, but it will be good to test out my strength over a longer distance.”

In the five-team format, Osagie will compete in GB&NI colours while Greene will represent a Commonwealth Select team.