Clarke looking forward to hero showdown

Published 1 Jul 2010 13:00 0 Comments

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Lawrence Clarke

Athletics

WINDSOR, Slough, Eton & Hounslow hurdler Lawrence Clarke is desperate to beat his childhood hero and Olympic gold medallist Allen Johnson when he runs against him at UK Athletics' marquee summer event, the Super8 in Glasgow next month.

Clarke, who will run for Plymouth in the 110m hurdles at the city versus city event, warmed-up in impressive fashion by claiming a bronze medal at the weekend during the UK Championships and European Trials.

The 20-year-old is also gunning for Commonwealth Games selection later in the year and after finishing within striking distance of Britain's premier duo Will Sharman and Andy Turner in Birmingham, Clarke remains confident.

But the 2009 Junior European Champion is relishing the opportunity to face boyhood hero Johnson, who will run for Birmingham when the event returns for its second year.

"It will be great to run against him," said Clarke, who ran 13.75 seconds, beating the likes of Commonwealth Games rivals Matthew Hudson and Chris Baillie to the podium in Birmingham.

"I got the chance to meet him in Stuttgart earlier this year and I was shocked at how small he was because most hurdlers are well over 6ft.

"But he is a multiple World Champion and having someone of that quality in the race can give you a boost.

"I want to go out there and run a good race and I just hope he doesn't beat me!"

Clarke was crowned National under-23 champion at Bedford on June 20 in a wind assisted time of 13.60 seconds.

And despite some strong opposition, the former Eton College pupil believes his ability to shine in big races will only help as he chases a dream place in New Delhi this October.

"There are a lot of runners in the country who are of a high calibre and there are around five of us who are very evenly matched," added Clarke, who finished fourth in the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India.

"I seem to be able to produce good performances at the right time.

"I used to concentrate on what times I was running but now I think It's more important where you finish in a race.

"When I won the Junior European title in Serbia I was sixth fastest qualifying for the final but I won the gold and nobody can take that away from me.

"I've beaten all of the runners I'm competing against and that gives me extra confidence but the Commonwealths is another level.

"Some people don't seem to take it as seriously but it's the competition I've been building up to for the last two years."

Super8 is based on a city v city format, the event was piloted in Cardiff in 2009 and will make a long-anticipated return in Glasgow on Wednesday July 7. Tickets are available by visiting www.uka.org.uk/super8 or Ticket Hotline 08000 556056.

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 02 Jul 10

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