University of Birmingham scholar Oliver Dustin increased his European u23 chances last night with a comfortable 800m victory in his first competitive outdoor race of the season since coming back from injury.
The European u20 champion dominated the UoB Track and Field series meet in Edgbaston, Birmingham, crossing the line in 1:47.08sec, well ahead of Tamworth’s Thomas Randolph, who was second in 1:48.14sec.
Top effort: GB international athlete Oliver Dustin, competing at the UoB Gold standard meet. (Picture by James Rhodes)
Since the Cumbrian’s European gold in Boras, Sweden back in 2019, the 20-year-old had only managed to race in four events across 2020 in a year which was hit hard by injuries and COVID-19.
Reacting to how his race went, Oliver Dustin said: “I went in with the intention of feeling good, taking the win and I did exactly that. I went through 600m in 1:19, and I felt I hadn’t really been through this fast before, but I felt really comfortable so it was a great win and a great race.”
“I’ve been struggling with a few niggles, but yeah I came through really strong.”
Having kicked-off this season with a win, it brings a long end to Dustin’s 640-day wait and a chance to prove his European form for the remainder of the track season.
Dustin will face a stiffer challenge in two weeks’ time at the BMC Sportcity GP, Manchester on the 29th May. Some of the star athletes confirmed to run include Jess Judd, Ellie Baker, Max Burgin, Josh Lay and George Mills.
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