Down to business in Doha for Sammi and Libby

The 2015 Celebration of Sport Awards held at Peebles Hydro. Samantha Kinghorn holding Inspirational Performance award.

Gordon wheelchair racer Sammi Kinghorn is all set to compete in four events – 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m making it a busy schedule for the reigning triple European champion, potentially racing eight times in the first five days of the championships.

“It’s getting very close now and my nerves are already building, but there is also a mix of excitement in there,” she said.

Kinghorn arrived in Doha on Sunday, October 11, giving her 11 days to prepare before her first race which takes place today.

“I really cannot wait to pull on that Great British vest again and do my stuff,” she added.

“In some way I find it very tough to come away to an event like this because I struggle with my nerves. Once I arrive at the track I feel my nerves ease though because it’s the place I love to be.”

Kinghorn’s parents made the trip out earlier this week having been busy previously, along with the rest of the clan, helping their daughter pack for the trip.

“It’s really great that my mum and dad will be able to travel out to watch me compete but what’s also fantastic is that there will be good coverage of the World Championships on More4 so that the rest of my family, friends and supporters back home can watch me too.”

Also facing a hectic schedule in Doha are Newcastleton sprinter Libby Clegg and her guide runner Mikail Huggins who face three rounds in both their T12 100 and 200 metre events.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who is registered blind, is a regular at this level and hopes that a podium spot at the Championships will be the perfect preparation for her third Paralympics next summer.

“I’m not sure what to expect as some of our closest competitors have blown us away this year,” she said.

“Our aim is just to get on the podium and then we can focus on some of the more specific things we need to work on in the winter.”

At 25 Clegg is the oldest of the group of four Scots travelling to Doha and says she will be using all of her know-how as she looks to add another world title to her already impressive collection.

“I feel like a veteran even though I’m only 25 as I’m definitely one of the oldest on our team,” she added.