SALE Harriers high jumper Adele Lassu insists she is giving herself the best chance possible to qualify for this summer’s Olympics – and is determined to take her training partners with her.
The 22-year-old is in intense training for the Olympic trials in Birmingham in June, which is set to be the make or break moment as she attempts to jump the 1.95m A standard.
Lassu trains with fellow high jumpers Emma Perkins and Isobel Pooley under British coach Fayyaz Ahmed with all three looking to secure one of potentially three Olympic spots available.
Former England under-23 champion Lassu faces a tough ask with her personal best currently standing at 1.83m – but she claims she is ready to tackle the pressure cooker in the Alexander Stadium.
“I feel as if I am in the best shape of my life and it is now just about going out there, doing it and letting myself do it,” said Lassu.
“If you put too much pressure on yourself you won’t perform so you have to accept that not everyone is going to qualify but if you have done the work then at least you have created the opportunity.
“Quite a few girls will be battling it out but Isobel and Emma train with me so the ideal scenario is all of us qualify as the three.
“I think it is going to be really good practice to jump at the Olympic trials with the home crowd and it could be an amazing competition.
“We are battling for a place on the team just like you have to battle for a place in the final or a medal at the Olympics.”
No matter what happens Lassu is guaranteed to play one part in this summer’s Olympics after being chosen to carry the London 2012 Torch courtesy of Lloyds TSB.
She will run with the Flame through West Bromwich on June 30.
As the only National Presenting Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Lloyds TSB is bringing the excitement of the Games and Olympic Flame closer to you. Find out what we're doing in your community and who is carrying the Flame at lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame
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