Bolton United Harrier Hannah Kelly is relishing her chance to compete on the world stage in Glasgow next weekend.
The Bury-born 23-year-old has been picked for Team GB’s squad for the women’s 4x400m relay at the World Athletics Indoor Championships north of the border, with heats and the final both taking place on Sunday.
It is more recognition for the young runner who was part of the GB squad at the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul last year.
Former Holy Cross College student, Kelly, said: “I’m so proud to have been selected to run for my country at world level.
“It’s another step forward in my athletics journey and just to be a part of the team is amazing.”
Harriers sprints golden girl Kelly will be putting on her spikes alongside the best athletes in the world in Glasgow, having previously been selected for Great Britain in the European championships at Under-20s and U23s, as well as at senior level.
This is her first selection at world level and the Team GB 4x400m women’s relay squad have a real chance of a medal.
Kelly’s selection was confirmed a day after the recent British Championships.
She had lined up in her 400m heat on the Saturday feeling full of confidence after a recent England call-up and ran the perfect race, winning comfortably and sealing a spot in the semi-final later that day.
Kelly, who cites Jessica Ennis-Hill as her idol growing up, was drawn in lane five, with British number two, Laviai Nielsen, in the lane outside her.
Again, she ran a superb race, finishing second in a massive new indoor personal-best time of 52.61secs.
The final was a real scrap with all athletes jostling for position as they hit the 200m mark.
Kelly, who has been coached at Harriers by Les Hall since the age of 13 having joined in 2011, worked hard along the back straight and put herself in third place coming off the last bend.
She could not quite hold on to third spot and was pipped by UK 400m hurdles champion Jessie Knight.
But her impressive runs were still a sign of her progress, and she will gain more invaluable experience competing against the world’s best in Glasgow.
The women’s 4x400m relay heats take place at 11.38am on Sunday with the finals later that evening, scheduled for 8.30pm.
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