Gutsy or just plain competitive?

Jenny Meadows the diminutive runner who claimed a bronze medal in yesterdays 800m final got my vote for the most competitive athlete thus far in the World Athletics Championships.

Lagging behind the main contenders towards the final bend of the race I thought that she was out of it, even though I knew she can kick her way out of trouble, but not that much trouble! She had it all to do in the final stages of the race. In the final 150 metres Jenny clawed her way up the field and almost snatched a silver medal. Little did I knew that Jenny had her race plan sorted and was sticking to it. She had it all under control and won her first medal in her first world championship final.

I remember when she was not selected for the Olympics and this caused a stir amongst many athletics fans. Undeterred Meadows continued to train hard and establish herself as one of Britain's top 3 800m runners, the other two being Marilyn Okoro and Gemma Simpson. It was only Jenny and Okoro who made it to the final and only Jenny who came out of it with any silverware.

A professional through and through Meadows even had a chance, in her track side interviews, to thank all those who supported her, even some friends who had driven to Berlin through the night to be there for the race. She also sent out a a message to all young athletes, she wanted them to take note that she did not win any major 800 titles as a junior, but look at her now! So often we see junior champions burst on to the scene only to fade into the shadows as the years progress.

Jenny ran through the finish line using every drop of energy she had, she looked like she held nothing back and laid it all out there, and it paid off. Young athletes, in fact anybody for that matter, should take note that when you have a plan and follow it, great things can happen, the thing to know is give it your all and even though the competition is tough if you have planned right, you are always in with a chance.

My hat goes off to you Jenny, it was great to see you break through at last.