SportwayNews

17-year-old Gill wins 800m to qualify for Olympics

At just 17 years old, she is set to become the youngest British track athlete to compete in the Games in over four decades.

Laura Muir, the Tokyo 1500m silver medallist, praised her as an "amazing talent" following her victory at the recent British Championships.

Speaking to BBC Look East, Gill reflected on her journey: "There were many doubters in the media questioning if I could handle the pressure. I'm so glad I proved them wrong because now I feel I can handle anything."

In May, she achieved a personal best of 1:57.86 in Belfast, breaking the European Under-18 record.

Continuing her impressive form, she bested Jamie Reekie at the trials in Manchester with a time of 1:58.66. Reekie had recently secured second place in the 800m at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championship in Glasgow.

Recalling her experience in Belfast, Gill, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, said, "That weekend was incredibly stressful. I was so focused on the start line, buzzing with adrenaline and ready to give it my all."

Looking ahead to Paris, she said, "I'm expecting to have a lot of fun. The hard part is done. There are no expectations. I'm 17, it's my first time competing for Great Britain, and I can't wait to soak it all in."

"I'm starting young, so hopefully there will be many more opportunities ahead," she added.