A leap too far for tired Chris Tomlinson

Jul 12 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

LONG-JUMPER Chris Tomlinson admonished himself for bowing to internal pressure and even turning up at the International Stadium.

As the North East’s leading athlete, Tomlinson’s appearance was a boost to Gateshead as it tries to retain its place on next season’s Diamond League circuit.

However, it was one too many for the tired 28-year-old.

“I am really disappointed with myself,” he admitted after his 7.80m was only good enough for sixth, 40cm behind winner Fabrice Lapierre.

“I have been really good in competition this week. I was in good shape, flying.

“I probably just became too greedy, competing a bit too often.

“When I was warming up I just felt it was going to be a bad day.

“I was just tired. If I had been a bit braver I would have pulled out of the competition.”

The man from Middlesbrough, who will be wearing the GB vest at this month’s European Championships. conceded he would never have considered taking part but for it being a home Grand Prix.

He added: “I had friends and family here, it was in the North East so I thought I would give it a go.

“I have been in great form so you are just tempted to keep going and going instead of listening to your body.

“I was competing last Saturday, then I was out again on Wednesday and I am here in front of my home crowd, and I would have liked to have jumped a lot better. I have probably done too much.

“These things happen and I just have to think I have been winning my other competitions, I just have to bury it under my carpet. This is me done until Barcelona.

“I will freshen up. I have two days with the family and then it is back to training.”

Cramlington’s three-time Paralympics gold medalist Stephen Miller had a better afternoon.

He kicked off proceedings at the Diamond League by throwing an unsurpassed 30.49m in the club event.