Champion sprinter comes to Gateshead

Apr 21 2010 The Journal

OLYMPIC and world 100 metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser will race at the Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead in July.

Fraser, the only Jamaican woman to win an Olympic 100m gold medal, will compete in Britain’s first IAAF Diamond League event on July 10.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to Gateshead for Britain’s first Diamond League Event. The last time I competed at the Aviva British Grand Prix was back in 2008 where I finished second so I’m definitely looking to go one better this year.

“It’s great that Britain is hosting two Diamond League events (Crystal Palace hosts the London Grand Prix in August) as it guarantees more head to heads between the world’s best athletes and it’s a fantastic precursor to the London 2012 Olympics.

“2010 is going to be an exciting year for women’s sprinting as there are so many talented athletes out there at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Kurt Fearnley is the first big name to withdraw from Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon because of problems travelling from his native Australia.