Kelly Massey clinches victory as Mark Lewis-Francis misses out on 100m final
Kelly Massey insists she rose to the challenge thrown down to her during a wide open 400m final to take the national title at the Sainsbury's British Championships.
With no Christine Ohuruogu and Margaret Adeoye opting to race over the shorter sprint distances, there was a real chance for somebody to stake their claim for 400m dominance.
And it was 29-year-old Massey, who will compete at the Commonwealth Games this summer, who delivered by crossing the line in a time of 52.52 seconds ahead of Shana Cox and Emily Diamond.
The only disappointment for Massey, from Wheaton Aston, was that she failed to run the qualification standard set by British Athletics for the European Championships – standing at 52.00 – but she insists that is within her reach.
"I ran my phases fine and I was a little tired in the end with it being a bit windy on the back straight but I executed the race really well so I am happy with that," said Massey.
"I would like to do another race to get a decent race in a hot country with good conditions and good competition before I go away to the Commonwealth Games and hopefully get that European standard.
"There is definitely time to get the time between now and the announcement."
Sainsbury's is proud to support British Athletics through the Summer Series events and committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles.
