Athletics: Eilidh Child sets new personal best

May 26 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

Fast shift for Eilidh

JUBILANT Perthshire hurdler Eilidh Child has taken a giant leap forward on the international stage by smashing her personal best.

The 400m specialist shaved half a second off her fastest-ever time when claiming victory in Scotland’s colours at an international meeting at athletics hub Loughborough University.

In her first outing of the season, Kinross-based Eilidh (22) stormed home in 56.27 secs, taking more than half a second off her previous PB of 56.84 secs.

By seeing off rivals from England and Wales, as well as top student competitors, her outstanding performance put her inside the Scottish qualifying mark for next year’s Commonwealth Games and she was almost a second ahead of the time she needs to help her reach the Under-23 European Championships, which are being held in Kaunas, Lithuania, in July.

As a major bonus, Eilidh’s PB at the Leicestershire venue was also within the World Championship B standard of 56.55 secs.

The athlete told PA Sport her success was due to a fitness regime introduced since her last race back in August by leading coach Stuart Hogg.

“I started with Stuart in September,” Eilidh said yesterday.

“I would normally do an indoor season but instead I’ve been spending time getting used to his methods and getting fitter for the outdoor season.

“It has been harder and more specific than before, with target times and things like that.

“The biggest difference is I train in a squad now rather than on my own, so it’s a better environment.”

Although only three GB women are being entered for the 400m hurdles at the Under-23 Euro’s, Eilidh’s fast time has given her a strong chance of being on the plane.

“If three other girls make qualifying times then I would have to win the British championship to make sure of a place,” she said.

“As for the World Championships in Berlin, they’d be a bonus if I got there. But if no other athlete achieves an A time, reaching the B standard puts me in the frame.”

Eilidh is about to complete her probationary period as a PE teacher at Perth Grammar, and she praised her colleagues for supporting her athletics ambitions.

She said: “I’d love to stay on in the job on a part-time basis so that I can give it my all ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”