NEWS

Idowu And Meadows Victorious

Phillips and Jenny produced spectacular displays to claim victory at the Birmingham Aviva Grand Prix

World champion Phillips Idowu was competing in his first competition of the year and opened his season with a leap of 17.57m on his last jump to beat old rival Christian Olsson in the triple jump.

The action in the triple jump was a glittering affair as World and European triple jump champion Idowu showed promising form early in the season to jump further than he has ever jumped in a season opening meet before to defeat former Olympic Champion, Olsson.

Post event Phillips said "my mind was clear. I'm happy with it and I just wanted to come here and test out my technique. It worked! It took five rounds but that's a great way to win. I'm a great showman. It's good to know I'm in that kind of shape that early on in the season."

Another British win came from the ever impressive Jenny Meadows in the women's 800m. After setting the UK national record at the Birmingham meet in 2010, Jenny again put on a fine display to romp home with a time of 1:59.22.

After comfortably beating American Morgan Uceny by 0.75s, the world indoor silver medallist said: "I'm so glad to win the race but I'm a little disappointed in the time. I would have liked sub-1:59 but it's quite difficult when you're out on your own."

Jenny will be looking to take her form with her when she competes in Paris next month at the European Indoor Championships, where she will be joined by fellow MTC client, Kelly Sotherton.

Olympic Bronze medallist Kelly returned to the track last week to claim the UK 400m title in Sheffield and was again in action at Birmingham as she continues to learn her trade in her new event.

Another MTC athlete, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will have to wait to see if he is fit enough to take his place alongside Jenny and Kelly in Paris after he felt a twinge in his hamstring in the men's 60m final.

Last week, Harry finished 2nd in the UK trials which secured his place in Paris but after coming through the heats comfortably to compete in the final in Birmingham, Harry pulled up just before the finish line holding his hamstring. Harry was still the fastest Britain on the day and crossed the finish line ahead of any other Brit but will have to wait for the physiotherapists' verdict to see whether he will be lining up at the start line in Paris.

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© Getty images

  • Jenny Meadows
  • World Indoor Champion Phillips Idowu
  • Phillips Idowu
  • Phillips Idowu training in South Africa
  • Jenny Meadows
  • Jenny Meadows
  • Kelly Sotherton
  • Kelly Sotherton
  • Kelly Sotherton
  • Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
  • Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
  • Hungry Harry