Athletics: Colin clinches Euro final place (From Bournemouth Echo)

Athletics: Colin clinches Euro final place

7:00am Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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COLIN McCourt breathed a huge sigh of relief as he booked his place in the 1500m final at the European Championships last night after admitting he’s still got a lot to learn on the international stage.

The Boscombe-born athlete claimed the fourth and final automatic qualification berth from his heat in Barcelona and will now line up in tomorrow’s final at the Olympic Stadium.

The 25-year-old, making his debut at a major outdoor championships, showed his speed on the home straight to snatch fourth in a time of 3.41.77 minutes.

But McCourt was less than impressed with his showing in Spain and admits he was almost given the harshest of lessons on the biggest stage of his career.

“I made a few mistakes but luckily I got away with it and I am looking forward to the final now,” said McCourt.

“I should have got to the front a lot earlier than I did and then with about 250m to go I was met with this wall and struggled to get around the bodies.

“Once I got in the right position on the back straight it was just a case of holding it and getting fourth and I’m delighted I did.”

McCourt completes a trio of British athletes in the final on Friday after team-mates Andy Baddeley and Tom Lancashire – ranked one and two in Europe respectively this season – also cruised through the heat stage.

“The goal was for us all to get into the final,” added McCourt. “It should be a great race and hopefully I can put in a good performance.”

<•>Aviva’s support, both at home and abroad, is helping the team prepare to compete at their best. Watch the Aviva GB & NI Team live in action at the Aviva London Grand Prix. For more details visit aviva.co.uk/athletics