Jemma eyes Europeans – at 1500m; Seb pledge on Emirates legacy

Monday 4th March 2024

Photo by Bobby Gavin

Breakthrough moment: Jemma lands silver at World Indoors to take first major medal

World Indoors silver medallist Jemma Reekie believes the first major medal of her career can be a springboard in Olympic year.

And the 800m specialist isn’t ruling out racing at the European Championships in Italy in June – although not in her preferred event.

Jemma didn’t hide the fact she desperately wanted gold in front of family and friends at the Emirates Arena on Sunday night but equally had to be thrilled by making the podium after being in a difficult place 12 months ago.

Now talks with coach Jon Bigg (and his wife, Sally Gunnell) as well as British Athletics will map out the route towards Paris – with that possible diversion via Rome.

‘I would like to do the Europeans but maybe not in my usual event,’ Jemma told us.

‘I know the 1500m is really tough at the moment but we will see how the summer season starts. There are British athletes running well in the 1500m. I would have to show form but I would like to try something new and go to the Europeans.’

Jemma at the Emirates back in 2017 when still racing in the Age Groups (photo by Boby Gavin)

Whatever happens in the years ahead, Jemma will always have Glasgow.

‘I loved being back in Glasgow and racing at the Emirates,’ she said.

‘I soaked it up each day and was thrilled to be competing here again. To be standing with a silver medal is something I would not have though could happen a year ago.

‘I do hope I can inspire young Scottish athletes. I know some of the young Kilbarchan girls coming through and I just want to show them what is possible.

‘They just have to keep going; no matter what happens you have to keep trying to improve and to PB. You do go through tough times – this time last year I was lost and going to training was a chore. I am enjoying it again and I’m here a different athlete and now a medallist at a global champs.’

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Photo by Bobby Gavin

They started the ‘de-rig’ operation at the Emirates Arena so quickly after the event concluded on Sunday night it was a surprise there was still a podium for Jemma Reekie to climb just after 10.30pm.

The television gantries had long since emptied and the work began to take down all manner of world Indoors infra-structure.

And so the track and field facility transformed by Glasgow Life for Glasgow 2024 returns (in theory) to those who deliver athletics on the ground – our athletes, coaches and clubs.

World Athletics President Seb Coe was fulsome in his praise for the event delivery but his postscript statement must also be seen as a pledge (see quotes below in italics).

‘Thank you Glasgow and Scotland for delivering a fantastic 19^th edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships,’ said Coe.

‘Athletics has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the city over many years and this has been another magnificent showcase for our sport.

‘Glasgow’s commitment to innovation and legacy from major sporting event is second to none. The installation of a brand-new track has ensured stellar performances from the world’s best athletes and will now give the next generation of local athletes the opportunity to train and compete on same track as their World Championship heroes.

‘To the 500 plus volunteers, Officials and staff a sincere thank you to each and every one of you for the essential role you played in the delivery of the championships; this event simply would not have been a success without you.’

In short, let the legacy commence . . .

What a magical World Indoor Champs in Glasgow. Great to bump into so many of our own young athletes coming through the ranks over the weekend, who will have been inspired. I reckon the next @joshk97, @JemmaReekie, @lauramuiruns might have been there this weekend! @scotathletics

— David Ovens (@OvensDavid) March 4, 2024