Athletics: Guy Learmonth misses out at the British Championships

The 23-year-old from Berwick had made smooth progress through the heats to make Sunday’s 800m final at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. But despite being in the mix for the first half of the race, he faded out of contention as Kyle Langford sprinted clear for victory in 1:49.70 minutes.

Silver went to Michael Rimmer with Gareth Warburton third, the latter denying fourth-placed Learmonth a medal by two tenths of a second.

Learmonth admitted afterwards how injuries in the run up to the Championships had hindered his chances.

“I had a few problems and I was never in the race – there was a few pushes which made it a bit scrappy,” he said Learmonth.

“It was just really scrappy. I’ve had a difficult few months with a few injuries and niggles and things which have set me back and that was evident out there.

“I felt good after the heats, I felt that my kick was there and that’s one of my strengths. But then in the final it just wasn’t, I need a few more weeks training really. I just need to try and get something out of this season.

“I was in a wee fight with about 100 to go. I got a bit of a push and it threw me off balance a bit – I probably missed out on a medal because of that. It’s just one of those things.”

Learmonth, fourth in last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, will now consider his options for the coming week although he is confident hard work and training will help him rediscover his top form.

“I have no idea what’s next. Things haven’t gone to plan the last few weeks, so it’s a case of going back to the drawing board and starting from scratch.

“I can’t help having the niggles I’ve had. I went to South Africa and had the best competition I’ve ever had and then I came back and in hindsight probably shouldn’t have raced as soon as I got back.

“Unfortunately I picked up a few problems. It’s hard. Training has been going good, but I need a couple more weeks to be back firing on all cylinders.”