ATHLETE HAS ‘BELOW PAR’ SESSION SHOCK
A Loughborough-based athlete has not performed as he expected to in a recent Portugal training session, the Lufbra Echo can now reveal. The news has broken despite an attempt by Loughborough and UKA chiefs to block it. In a special sitting, the High Court yesterday threw out an injunction request as the story was deemed to be “in the public interest”. The so far unnamed athlete is believed to have been “roughly half a second” down on the projected splits for a track workout. Insiders have confirmed that special UKA track measurers are being flown to Portugal to re-measure the track in question. An LSAC source told the Echo, “we are all very worried and so have to make sure. The athlete is of course receiving the best care and attention we can provide until we can clear up this mess.” Other potential causes of the setback being mooted include climate change, excessive noise pollution on the track, and even an allegation that the athlete’s food had been spiked by St. Mary’s operatives the night before. Our source added that the athlete in question would remain in hospital “as a precaution” until the affair was resolved. David Howe, part of the Loughborough coaching team, denied that the athlete was one of his personal charges, but did not rule out switching venues if a similar incident was to occur again. “It’s crazy,” said Howe, “everything’s currently on hold and we are considering our options.”
DONALDSON HAILS ‘FLAWLESS’ HODGES
Alasdair Donaldson used his Sunday press conference to heap praise on under-fire LSAC Chair, Rob Hodges. The 1500m specialist was soundly beaten in a recent all-you-can-eat contest and rumours have surfaced that he has been oiling his chest in a dramatic bid to out-tan Ben Green. The Kingston-upon-Hull star has revealed that recent events have taken their toll on him “physically and emotionally”. However, Donaldson had nothing but praise for the 22 year-old. “Rob was absolutely outstanding at the karaoke last night,” enthused the Scot, “he was note perfect throughout and I thought that the performance has a real edge to it.” Hodges said that yesterday evening was “a step in the right direction” but conceded that he still had work to do. “I don’t want to be complacent,” said the former AU Presidential Candidate, “I wasn’t happy with some of the high notes and I am still a little bit out of my depth when it comes to dancing.”
MATTHEWS TITLE CHALLENGE SUFFERS ‘MAJOR BLOW’
Pete Matthews’ tanning title ambitions seem to be in taters this morning after he inadvertently sat in the shade during a conversation with his brother yesterday afternoon. The former AAAs U17 Indoor 1500m Bronze medallist conceded that the race for the crown was now “out of his hands”, but had some firm words for the officials. “No one told me that I was not in direct sunlight,” stormed the injury-prone star, “my interpretation of the rules is that the independent observer should point these things out. I wasted a whole bottle of tanning oil as well- it’s very poor.” The Blackburn man refused to rule himself out of the most exciting title race in years. “I lost a lot of ground yesterday, but this is a funny old game and anyone can slip up at any time. I feel sure there will be a few twists and turns yet.” The one-time GB International (Mountain Running) has already suffered a set-back once this season when he was deducted half a tanning grade for using manufactured enhancers. This latest blunder now seems to open the door for experienced names such as Ben Green, Chris Parr and Ed Womersley.