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Skinner lands UK call up
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| Mike Skinner (above) seen here running in Spain |
BLACKHEATH & Bromley Harriers athlete Michael Skinner flew the flag for Kent and has won a place in the UK cross-country squad for the 36th IAAF World Championships in Edinburgh later this month.
Skinner, 28, finished third in the UK county-wide trails at Nottingham on Saturday in his blue Kent vest.
He said: "On the day I did the job well as the first four places meant automatic selection for the team.
"I had the phone call at the weekend to confirm my selection and it is great to be part of the Championship.
"Last year the event was held in Mombassa, so the conditions will be a bit cooler as there is usually snow in Edinburgh when we race at this time of the year."
Skinner achieved 63rd position out of 260 competitors in 2007 in a race generally dominated by the African teams.
This year the field includes WCC champion Kenyan Kenenisa Bekele.
After the Edinburgh event, Skinner will step up his track training as the former 1,500m specialist hopes to win a place in the UK team for the Beijing Olympics this summer at 5,000m.
He added: "I might have a short break and then perhaps aim for a track race in Stamford, USA, in early May if I feel like I am in the sort of shape to do myself justice.
"Everything will then be focused on the Olympic trials."
Skinner combines his arduous training schedule with a full-time job, helping the athletes of the future but this year has been helped with a grant of £7,500 from solicitors MB Allen and Co.
He receives no Lottery funding, a fact highlighted by commentator Stuart Storey during the Sky Sports live TV coverage of the Nottingham Trials.
MB Allen senior partner Nigel Leonard said: "The sponsorship came about because Michael's mother Pauline works at our West Wickham offices in Kent.
"The whole staff follows his progress and we are very proud to be supporting him all season."
5:01pm Thursday 20th March 2008
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