by Larry Eder
Martyn Rooney, photo courtesy of Loughborough University
One of my favorite moments in sport was watching Martyn Rooney putting it all together and winning the 2014 European outdoor champs at 400 meters. He ran a smart race, and took the win, showing the promise many have thought he has had for a decade. I still think he could be a devastating 800 meter runner, but, what do I know? Martyn will be joining some exciting runners for the Loughborough Invitational, which RunBlogRun is hoping to visit.
Two time European 400m champion and Olympic 4x400m relay bronze medallist Martyn Rooney is the latest star name to be announced for the 2017 edition of the Loughborough International Athletics meeting on Sunday 21stMay.
Rooney, a former Loughborough student who still trains at the University, unfortunately missed the IAAF World Relays last month with a minor injury, the team missing their bearded talisman and his usual fast anchor leg. The fourth fastest Brit of all-time is back in action though, and relishing the prospect of resuming his season on home turf.
Of the prospect of running at the LIA for the eighth time in his career, Rooney said:
“It’s always a privilege to pull on the African Violet vest and represent Loughborough, my home since 2005. Training at the Paula Radcliffe Athletics Stadium I know every inch of the track and hopefully I can be part of another successful day for Loughborough.”
Another 400m star announced for the meeting at the Paula Radcliffe Stadium is Matthew Hudson-Smith, the fastest man in the UK so far in 2017. Still only 22 years of age, Hudson-Smith has already made an Olympic final and tasted victory in the 4x400m relay at both the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. He will line up over the shorter 200m distance in 10 days’ time.
Another former Loughborough student in action at the LIA will be Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the 2014 European 100m bronze medallist having already run under 10 seconds twice this year, although aided by an illegal tailwind. The muscular sprinter will aim to repeat his 2016 LIA victory later this month.
Also contesting the 100m will be Andrew Robertson, the diminutive figure having enjoyed a stellar 2017 so far, having made the final of the European Indoor Championships over 60m.
Team announcements from England, Scotland, Wales and GB Juniors will be made in the coming days.
Tickets for the event, which gets underway at 11am on Sunday 21st May are available here:http://loughboroughsport.com/
