Chalmers bound for Japan with Team GB
CAM CHALMERS has earned an important international vest – and perhaps paved his way to more – with his selection for the IAAF World Relays in Yokohama.
The Guernseyman has secured his place as one of seven Great Britain representatives in the men’s 4x400m relay in May, forming part of a wider contingent of 26 GB athletes spread across five relay disciplines.
‘Japan bound for World Relays this May. So fortunate to be travelling around the world racing with and against the very best,’ wrote Chalmers on social media.
The World Relays serve as a key qualifier for the upcoming Doha 2019 World Championships and include a rendition of the mixed 4x400, into which GB will also pitch a few athletes in anticipation of its first World Championships appearance this year.
The Japanese event’s significance is two-fold, though, as British Athletics performance director Neil Black also expects the athletes to gain vital experience ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
‘The opportunity to train and compete in Japan 14 months before the Games is invaluable to all those selected,’ said Black.
While Chalmers’ path to the ‘Worlds’ in Doha seems that little bit clearer, a recent change in the qualifying process for Tokyo 2020 adds some new complexity to his Olympic dreams.
The IAAF’s newly-announced dual system features significantly toughened time standards – from 45.40sec. over 400m to a daunting 44.90 – but also allows admission through their world rankings.
The IAAF World Rankings reward athletes with a ‘performance score’ based on a combination of result and placing, although the association can make various other adjustments to give precedence to certain performances.
More in Thursday's Guernsey Press.
