Joy for Sammi but London pain for Libby

Friday 26th May 2017

There were deeply contrasting emotions for two of Scotland’s top Para athletes this week – as Sammi Kinghorn landed two more Eurooean Records but injury ruled Libby Clegg out of the World Para Athletics Championships in London.

At the Daniela Jutzeler Meet in Arbon, Switzerland, Sammi was once again in superb form as she followed on from great performances in America last weekend.

The young Scot set a 100m European record with a win in 16.21 and that time was just 0.02 outside the World Record and the second fastest of all time in her claissifaction.

Then, in the 400m, Sammi set another European record of 53.72 in second place in the race for the second fastest of all time (and inside the previous WR).

Many congratulations to Sammi, her family and coach Ian Mirfin, on a really strong start to the season ahead of London.

Sammi Kinghorn

Unfortunately, double Rio sprint champion Libby sustained a calf injury earlier this week and will not recover in time for July.

Alongside her guide runner, Chris Clarke, Clegg secured great success in 2016, winning the T11 100m and 200m titles at the Paralympic Games in Brazil and setting world records in both.

‘It is with a mixture of emotions that I have to announce that due to injury, I will be unable to compete at this year’s World Para Athletics Championships in London,’ said the 27-year-old Scot, a gold medallist at Glasgow 2014.

‘I sustained a calf injury during a training session this week and have been advised by the medical team at British Athletics that it will be impossible for me to recover in time for the championships.

‘I am still going through the various emotions of disappointment and frustration as despite the setback of my guide runner, Chris, picking up an Achilles injury earlier this year, I felt training was going really well and couldn’t wait to return to London as double Paralympic Champion.’

Tags: Libby Clegg, Sammi Kinghorn, World Para Athletics Champs

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