Time off is beneficial for Leach
Jun 26 2009 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail
BIRCHFIELD Harrier Jessica Leach admits she’s within touching distance of the World Championships but is in no rush to book her place in Berlin.
The 22-year-old high jumper set a new personal best of 1.86m at the Midlands Counties Championships recently and will head to the British under-23 Championships in Bedford this weekend as one of the favourites.
With rivals Steph Pywell and Vicky Hubbard struggling with injuries, she is a shoe-in for the European under-23 Championships in July.
But Leach, from Stourbridge, is already dreaming of booking a place alongside the world’s best.
“Things have gone really well recently and the new personal best at the Midlands Counties was a huge confidence booster to me,” said Leach.
“I had a bit of time off after the Bedford International Games to work on a few things and sort out my run up and it has really paid off.
“As long as nobody jumps over 1.86m at the under-23 England Championships this weekend, I will be going to Lithuania in July, which will be a fantastic experience.
“I also know I need to get a 1.90m plus qualifying jump to get to the worlds but I see that as well within my capabilities.
“It would be nice to jump that as soon as possible but if I keep doing what I have been I will be okay.”
A trip to Germany would be a fitting reward for Leach, who has had to battle with a string of injuries in recent months.
But she has fully recovered from the stress fracture in her foot and admits she has never felt better.
“I’m in the best shape I ever have been since I started athletics and that’s a fantastic feeling for any competitor,” added Leach.
“I was feeling really down when I was struggling with injury and I never thought I’d get back to where I am now so this is a huge bonus.
“My main focus was to build for the Commonwealth Games next year but now the world’s is a real target and that’s a great position to be in.”
■ UKA Heroes project sponsored by Original Source is a successful initiative which offers financial support to talented young athletes who are working towards the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
