Great Britain´s Lee Thompson continues charge towards Tokyo Olympics with back-to-back wins

The 24-year-old, who trains at City of Sheffield and Dearne Athletic Club, finished first in two individual Men’s 400 Meters races in Manchester last week with times close to his personal best, according to trainer John Henson.

He is set to compete in the first fixture of the National Athletics League Premier division season on Sunday (June 6) before the Olympic trials on June 26 and 27. Both events will be held in Manchester.

"Things are going quite well at the moment,” John said.

"We’re entering quite a heavily competitive period leading up to the trials so we are looking forward to it.”

Worksop-based Lee, who specializes in 400 M but has begun competing in 200 M events to improve his race times, was scheduled to head to Switzerland for the Geneva International athletics meeting but quarantine restrictions mean that will no longer be possible.

“It’s a pity because he could have done with a couple of good European races to finalize his preparation but it is what it is,” said John.

"He’s very confident and the last couple of races have given him that extra bit of boost.”

Lee balances a full-time career as an accountant with athletics and earlier this month helped Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s mixed 4 x 400M relay team secured a historic Olympic qualification.

This summer will be the first time a mixed relay event will be held at an Olympics.

The delayed Games are scheduled to take place between July 23 and August 8.

posted Monday May 31st
by Steve Jones