Sporting scholar Jenny Nesbitt gets GB call for European Cross Country Championships

01 December 2015

University of Bath student Jenny Nesbitt has been named in a 36-strong British Athletics squad for the European Cross Country Championships in France.

The 20-year-old Sports & Social Science, student who is a Trendell Sports Scholar, will compete in the women’s U23 race in Hyères on Sunday, December 13.

It continues a remarkable return to competition for Nesbitt, who was a UK champion at U17 level but had her career put on hold for two years after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP).

She battled back to fitness in 2014 and, after beating Paula Radcliffe in the Worcester City 10k, was a reserve for last year’s European Cross Country Championships. She then claimed her first senior victory at the British Athletics Cross Challenge in March.

Nesbitt – who started her studies in September – secured her place in the British squad with a fine performance at the European Trials in Liverpool on Saturday, finishing 21st in 28:47.

Spencer Duval, the British Team Leader, said: “After the successes in Samokov last year [nine medals including four gold], we have selected a team which will look to continue Britain’s fine form at the European Cross Country Championships.

“There have been a number of encouraging performances so far this season and I’m confident that the team will equip themselves well against the best in Europe.”

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