Weightman plots world juniors assault after year to forget

By David Jordan, Sportsbeat

FUTURE Olympic hopeful Laura Weightman has vowed to banish the memory of her European Junior Championships selection heartache by boarding the plane to the world equivalent in Canada.

MAKING AMENDS: Laura Weightman to make up for European disappointment by heading to the world equivalent

The 1500m runner was snubbed by Team GB selectors who decided not to take her to the showpiece 2009 event in Serbia - even though she dipped beneath the qualifying time.

But the 18-year-old Morpeth Harrier is determined to erase that disappointment by sealing a spot at July's World Junior Championships in Moncton.

"Last year had some real ups and downs and I was really gutted to miss out on the European juniors but hopefully I can make amends for that this year," she said.

"I changed coaches in the middle of the season last year and I went on to run some fast personal bests and some fast races so that was really pleasing.

"It wasn't the best of times to change but after everything settled into place it worked out really well for me and hopefully this year I can take that on.

"I've had a slightly different winter because of that, but it hasn't been too different that I have suffered and if anything I have continued to improve.

"I'm looking to go to the world juniors in Canada and run the 1500m there and that means I have to get a good time and perform at the trials so that is my aim."