Selman delivers two superb 800m runs as Scotland savour DNA experience

Sunday 6th February 2022

Jenny Selman savoured the Emirates Arena experience with not one but two superb performances (photo by Bobby Gavin)

(*NOTE: Report subject to further corrections/scrutiny – especially given novel nature of DNA event)

Jenny Selman stole the show for Scotland at the DNA Athletics – not to mention the pre-meet Invitational races – on a great day for the sport at the Emirates Arena.

The Fife AC athlete first claimed a World Indoors and Commonwealth Games standard with another 800m indoor PB at 2:00.70.

Selman followed that with an equally impressive race win in the DNA Match Women’s 800m as she stepped in for Laura Muir and landed full points for the team.

It was the best performance in points terms but there were other highlights and PBs as the likes of Alisha Rees, Allan Hamilton, Murray Fotheringham and Emma Canning impressed.

The host nation duly finished sixth after an exciting finale in The Hunt which saw Spain take the overall DNA 2022 trophy.

With a number of younger athletes given their first exposure to international athletics, it was a real learning curve and teenagers Matthew Tait, Rebecca Grieve and Dean Patterson will surely learn much from their Emirates experience.

scottishathletics organised the Invitational races in order to try and help athletes achieve certain goals and Jenny did exactly that – with Kilbarchan AAC’s Jack Patton claiming a Scottish U20 1500m indoor Record, too. Jack clocked 3:46.79 ( Joe Ewing’s Record was at 3:47.98).

In Jenny’s first race, Philippa Millage’s pace-making helped set it up and the Fife AC athlete’s even-paced four laps were superb as she went through 600m in 1:30.52 according to the clock.

She then took full points in the Match barely 70 or so minutes later. Jenny smartly tucked into third place for a spell and then moved up on the last lap as she over-hauled her Irish opponent to surge home for the victory and 12 points.

Photos on Facebook by Bobby Gavin

‘There is a bit of pressure when you stand in for Laura Muir and of course I was coming off the high of getting the standards in my first race of the day,’ she said.

‘I just had to keep it sensible on the first three laps and make sure I was in the mix. The noise on the last 100m and the pride of wearing the Scotland vest drew me home.

‘I’m absolutely thrilled to get the standards for the World Indoors and the Commonwealths but I know that does not necessarily mean selection. There will be others running good times this year, I am sure.’

ICYMI, @JennySelman2 took full points for @scotathletics with this stunning victory in the 800m ?#AthleticsWithAttitude @EuroAthletics pic.twitter.com/m5etqm7PP7

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) February 5, 2022

The 2x 200m relay was straight after Jenny’s win and Murray Fotheringham and Kathryn Christie did well to take third place.

It was a tough assignment with two 200m runs with so little recovery time but both athletes savoured it.

‘I have not competed for Scotland since racing here back in 2015,’ said Kathryn, who underwent surgery on both feet a few years ago.

‘It was brilliant to get the selection and represent Scotland again. It’s so tough when you finish your first leg and then suddenly have to look for your position to get the baton again.’

Prior to that, the 4x400m Relay had seen runs for Krishawn Aiken, Rebecca Grieve, Carys McAulay and Kyle Alexander as Scotland came home fifth. Craig Charlton was our throw representative in the shot put and finished sixth.

Alisha Rees had been named Scotland captain on Friday evening and came up with a third place run in the Women’s 60m. Alisha clocked 7.36 seconds so was close to her own 7.32 Scottish Record.

‘I am okay with the run and a Season’s Best at this stage – I would hope to get inside my own Scottish Record this season,’ said Rees.

‘I was a little bit taken aback when asked how I would feel about being captain. But when I thought about it later I realised I’ve been on Scotland (and GB) teams for almost ten years now.’

Allan Hamilton relished his Scotland return with a PB run in the Men’s 60m for fourth place. Allan clocked 6.72 seconds.

‘It is heading in the right direction and hopefully I can run quicker in the weeks ahead,’ he said.

‘Just to wear that vest and compete in an exciting event in front of a home crowd was terrific. We’ve some very young athletes in the team and I think a few of them demonstrated the potential.’

High jumper Matthew Tait, 16, was one of those and the Dunfermline Track and Field athlete did well to finish in equal fifth place in the (slightly complicated) head to head jumps comp. Matthew cleared 1.85 and 1.94.

Scott Connal clocked a Season’s Best 8.24 in the Men’s 60m Hurdles.

In the Women’s Long Jump, Emma Canning was in the fifth-sixth playoff but beat England with a 5.97m PB. Heather Paton unfortunately hit a barrier in the Women’s 60m hurdles and when the dust settled, Scotland were paired with Wales in fifth for The Hunt.

There was much excitement as Jill Cherry, Sam Brown, Carys McAulay and then Dean Patterson took to the track but had to settle for sixth place.