Worksop sprinter to continue Tokyo Olympics charge at World Athletics Relays in Silesia

Worksop-based sprinter Lee Thompson hopes to continue his bid for Tokyo Olympics selection at the World Athletics Relays in Poland this weekend.
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The 24-year-old, who trains at City of Sheffield and Dearne Athletic Club, is part of Great Britain (GB) Men’s 4 x 400m relay team for the event in Silesia, having helped them to bronze at the European Indoor Championships in March.

“I’m feeling good – I’m excited,” said Lee.

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Sheffield sprinter Lee Thompson is back in action for Great Britain this weekend.Sheffield sprinter Lee Thompson is back in action for Great Britain this weekend.
Sheffield sprinter Lee Thompson is back in action for Great Britain this weekend.

"I’m thinking they are going to use it as a development chance for the 4 x 400m, it’s tough to make the team but I expect myself to do it. I have just got to get out there and perform.”

Lee will be among eight men and eight women from Team GB who travel to Silesia on Wednesday and will find out if he has made the final squad on Friday ahead of the start of the competition on Saturday.

He said: "In terms of Tokyo being the end goal it [Silesia] is a stepping stone towards that but it’s a chance for us as a relay squad to get together, make a bond and find a formation that works for us.

"It means a lot to have a good bond, it means you are not just working individually for yourself. You are performing for the boys as well, it’s like a kind of brotherhood. I know all the lads pretty well from previous competitions.”

Lee was part of the GB Men’s 4 x 400m relay team who finished eighth at the 2019 World Championships in Doha to secure qualification for this summer’s delayed Games.

He could also compete in the mixed 4 x 400m this weekend, if picked, and is still in contention for individual qualification in the Men’s 400m at Tokyo.

Lee said: "Individual selection for the Olympics is quite a tough ask, the qualification time is 44.9 seconds, I believe, and my personal best is 46.2. It’s definitely not something I’m ruling out but it’s going to take a lot to get there.

"I’m feeling really good at the minute. Me and John (John Henson, coach) are working hard trying to make sure I can run fast this year. I’m feeling confident but we have still got to put that hard work in, there’s no excuses.”

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