Big PB as hurdler David King sets Rio 2016 qualifying time in Swiss thriller
David King became the second University of Bath-based 110m hurdler to set the qualifying time for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when he smashed his personal best in Switzerland on Monday.
The Sports Performance graduate, who was supported by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) during his studies at the University, ran 13.39 at a meeting in Bellinzona.
That was 0.15 quicker than King’s previous best, set in Loughborough last month, and well inside the Olympic qualifying time of 13.47.
Also setting the Rio standard in Bellinzona was University of Bath graduate Lawrence Clarke, who clocked 13.38 to finish just ahead of King – coached by James Hillier at the Sports Training Village – in an exceptionally close race.
Just seven-hundredths of a second separated the winner, Alexander John of Germany, and Will Sharman in sixth place.
Over the moon! Olympic qualifying time 😀 pic.twitter.com/qez6XvcV14
— David King (@DaveKing_) June 6, 2016
Sharman’s time of 13.42 means four Brits have now achieved the Olympic qualifying time in the 110m hurdles, Andrew Pozzi – coached by Malcolm Arnold – having set it twice in the past month.
There are three places in the Team GB squad for Rio, with the top two finishers at the British Championships from June 24-26 – which double as the Olympic Trials – being guaranteed a seat on the plane providing they have set the qualifying time.
Former University of Bath athlete Jack Green was also in action in Bellinzona, winning the 400m hurdles in 49.18 – an Olympic qualifying time and the fastest he has gone since 2012.
Jazmin Sawyers, who does some of her training at the STV, cleared 6.62m in her first long jump competition of the outdoor season. The Olympic qualifying standard is 6.70m.
Pictured: David King (right) with his coach, James Hillier, and Leon Reid
