Jenny Meadows has qualified for the semi-final of the 800m at the World Indoor Championships in spite of losing her sunglasses just hours before the start of her race. It is thought that they were "hidden" by cheeky 1500m star, Charlotte Best. Meadows, who is one of the favorites in her event, was seen frantically searching for the missing shades when she should have been warming up. All the while, Best had stashed them away in her hotel room and only owned up to the prank with minutes to spare.
Speaking to journalists after her heat, the Team GB captain said that she "was all set to withdraw" from the Championships. "I was on the phone to my travel agent booking a flight home. I have to wear those sunglasses or else it is all pointless...it's really disappointing when someone does that, hides things. I am really upset." Best for her part conceded that the joke went too far. "Jess Ennis was supposed to hand them over after about an hour, but she said that they were nice shades and wanted to keep them....it took a lot of convincing."
UKA's Director of Endurance, Ian Stewart said that he would be putting a stop to any future pranks. "This is not a jolly, well not for the athletes at least," said the main man from a theme park, "the moment they [the athletes] start enjoying themselves is the moment we start having problems...it's unacceptable." The Scot then broke off the interview as he had to order an ice cream for Niels De Vos (UKA Chief Executive) who was holding their place in the Banana Boat queue.