News | 17 May, 2021
Jenny Nesbit (left) and Jake Smith (right)
Two athletes studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University will represent Britain at the Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships held in Birmingham on 5 June 2021.
MSc Sports Broadcast student Jenny Nesbit and MSc Strength and Conditioning student Jake Smith will join Sir Mo Farah and Eilish McColgan at the start line for the high profile race, which will double as Team GB's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games trial.
Jake who is coached by the University's James Thie posted a unique set of PBs within five days of each other last month; 3:50.89 in the 1500m and 2:11.00 in the marathon joins the men's team, while Jenny, ranked third in the UK 10,000m rankings following her performances in Newport earlier this year; 32:44.26, joins the women's team.
With six women and six men selected, Great Britain and Northern Ireland will contest for team medals in both events at the European 10,000m Cup, which will incorporate the Müller British Athletics 10,000m Championships and Olympic trials.
Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences Dean, Dr Katie Thirlaway, said: "I'm delighted to see Jenny and Jake representing Britain at these championships.
"Their determination to succeed, against everything this last year has thrown at them, is testament to their commitment, drive and passion for the sport. The pair give their all to everything they do, and I have no doubt they will both do very well in these Championships."
On being selected, Jenny Nesbit, said: "I am delighted to have been selected for the British Team for the 10,000m Cup. It is one of my favourite events in the calendar and one I have enjoyed in the past.
"Wearing the British vest always gives me an extra ounce of energy, and I'm hoping this will carry me through the 25 laps in a few weeks' time! I am very grateful to the university and Welsh Athletics for providing me with the opportunity to continue to train as close to normal over the last few months, enabling me to be rounding into some good form ahead of the event."
Jake Smith, added: "To be representing Great Britain at the European Championships is something I have dreamed of and to be part of such a strong team makes it even better.
"I'll be putting all my effort into securing an Olympic qualifying time and will hopefully make it an enjoyable race to run in and watch."
