Athletics: Learmonth up against Russian star in Belgium

Lasswade's Guy Learmonth faces a daunting prospect when he races over 800 metres in the Flanders International at Oordegem in Belgium tomorrow.

Among his opponents will be the 2004 Olympic champion Yuriy Borsakovsky of Russia, one of the finest runners ever in the event and a man renowned for his silky smooth style and ferocious kick.

The 30-year-old Borsakovsky, who ran 1:43.68 a decade ago, will certainly provide the 18-year-old Scot with his sternest test yet.

Learmonth had a remarkable indoor season last winter which he rounded off with a Scottish Under-20 record (his ninth) of 1:48.58, a time he has still to better outdoors.

Hit by the runner's curse "shin splints" at the end of the indoor season, Learmonth was then involved in a bad car accident and was fortunate to escape with no lasting damage.

His only outdoor race so far has been an invitation 800 metres at the Loughborough International where he was narrowly beaten in 1:53.40 in windy conditions.

"I can't wait for this one," said Learmonth, a first year student at Loughborough University.

"Training's been going great and I'm starting to feel strong again after the hiccups at the end of the indoor season."