British Champs day one – sprinters break Scottish Records

Saturday 26th February 2022

Adam Thomas (blue vest) win the Men’s 60m final to land gold and automatic selection for the World Indoors (photo via British Athletics Collection/Getty Images)

British Champs results

There were a number of strong Scottish performances at the British Champs in Birmingham – and our sprinters led the way!

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dam Thomas claimed gold in the 60m Men’s final with a PB run of 6.56 seconds which shattered the Scottish Record held by Nick Smith for a number of years.

And Alisha Rees took silver in the 60m Women’s final with a PB run of 7.31 seconds which broke her own Scottish Indoor Record in the event.

Many congratulations to both athletes and their coaches and support teams!

Heather Paton also equalled her Scottish Record for 60m Hurdles with a run of 8.28 seconds as she finished fourth in the final.

There were a number of other strong performances by Scots as they landed PBs or made it through heats. We will round-up the Day Two medals when the Champs are concluded on Sunday.

Adam’s run clinched an automatic place in the GB and NI team for the World Indoors in Belgrade next month.

‘I am really pleased with those performances today and to finish with the win and become British Champion is just so exciting – I am over the moon,’ said Adam, who beat Andy Robertson by two hundredths.

‘It is hard to keep coming back with a heat, a semi and a final but I felt I was recovering, building and improving each time.

‘To know I am going to Belgrade is beyond my wildest dream. I cannot wait to be in the British team – my first time – and receive the kit and British vest, I will be so proud.’

Alisha Rees took silver in the Women’s 60m final (photo via British Athletics Collection/Getty Images)

There were two Scottish medals in the Men’s High Jump competition.

David Smith took a joint gold with 2.13m and Will Grimsey landed a joint bronze at 2.09m. Lewis McGuire also jumped 2.09m but missed a medal on countback.

‘Today was just about trying to win it and I did that so I’m happy,’ said David.

‘I tweaked my hamstring in the warmup and I’m in a lot of pain so I’m delighted. I wanted to do as few jumps as possible and luckily enough I did well. The main focus is now the outdoor season and the Commonwealths and Europeans.’

Erin Wallace already has the World Indoors qualifying time and will hope for selection now at 1500m after landing silver in the final in Birmingham. Adelle Tracey won the race with Erin at 4:14.72.