Lee aiming to be fighting fit

The St Leonards-based middle distance runner is confident of lining-up on the start line at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium despite struggling with a torn quadricep muscle.

He said: “I’ve got a bit of an injury, but it should be alright. I just had a lump in my leg and went to see the doctor. It’s not causing me any pain; it’s just a strength issue I think.”

Emanuel, who recently turned 27, isn’t going into the men’s 1,500m with any great aspirations of making the Olympic team and considers qualifying for the final to be a realistic goal.

He has travelled the world since this time last year in search of his best form. A period of training in the United States was followed by a few races in Australia and New Zealand.

The one-time Hastings Athletic Club talent was back in the locality for a while before returning to America where he changed coach about a month ago, returning to his old coach in New Mexico.

Emanuel, a Sheffield Hallam University and University of New Mexico graduate, produced his best form of the year so far back in January, starting the season with a sub four-minute mile in his first race.

His last couple of events haven’t gone very well, however, and he has competed far less than usual. In fact, the former William Parker Sports College student hasn’t raced for four weeks.

The men’s 1,500m heats are due to take place around 8.25pm today (Friday) with the final scheduled for tomorrow at 6.05pm.

See tomorrow’s Hastings Observer for the full article.