Glasgow 2014: Child doesn’t fear favourite tag

EILIDH Child believes her recent British Championships’ triumph can help her deal with the expectations of a home crowd as she prepares for a huge month of sport in Glasgow.
Eilidh Child is confident she can meet the expectations of the home support. Picture: Synergy Sponsorship/PAEilidh Child is confident she can meet the expectations of the home support. Picture: Synergy Sponsorship/PA
Eilidh Child is confident she can meet the expectations of the home support. Picture: Synergy Sponsorship/PA

Child will warm up for the Commonwealth Games when she races at Hampden’s Diamond League meeting on Saturday. The Scot showed she could handle expectations when she vindicated her favourite tag to win the 400m hurdles by more than half a second from Meghan Beesley at Birmingham late last month.

The 27-year-old coped with the pressure of succeeding the injured Perri Shakes-Drayton as champion and she is looking to take the same focus to Hampden.

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Child said: “They always highlight the fact that you’re the favourite because you are the only one with red numbers, which adds a bit of pressure. But I just focused on my race plan.

I knew if I executed my race plan that I should win the race. You have got to know how to deal with that pressure and not get caught up in it. Every time I race I try to take something from it. So I will take a lot from going into the race being favourite and still delivering.

“I don’t know if I’ll go to Glasgow as favourite because the Jamaican girls are racing really well, but it’s good to know I can face that expectation and still deliver.”

Child will shield herself from some of the Commonwealth Games hype when she returns to her Bath training base for a week after Saturday’s race. Speaking in her role as SSE Home Nation Ambassador, the 2010 silver medallist said: “I want to enjoy the whole experience of the Games, being in the village, and hopefully get to watch some of it too, but it’s all about getting the balance right and not being exposed too much that it’s overwhelming.

“I don’t even know if I can appreciate it just now. In ten years’ time I’m sure I’ll be able to look back and realise what a brilliant time it was to be involved in sport and athletics.

“It (Hampden) looks amazing in the photos. I’m still wondering whether it will still be like Hampden.”

Child, who has a home in Cumbernauld, added: “It’s strange thinking that there will be a Diamond League event in Glasgow. I’ve been planning it with my coach and we worked out I’ll be able to stay at home.

“It will be weird travelling to a race from my own house. Normally I’m in a hotel so it will really be quite strange. But it’s really exciting and I’ll be focused on putting on a show for the fans.”

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