Phillips Idowu has been left out of the Great Britain squad for the European Team Championships in Gateshead, but UK Athletics director Neil Black insists the triple jumper is not upset with his omission.
The 34-year-old was overlooked in favour of Nathan Douglas, but Black was quick to state that Idowu, who finished seventh in the recent Diamond League meeting in Rome, was “cool” with the decision.
“Phillips was available but he has a very minor heel irritability and he hasn’t jumped as far as other people at this stage of the season,” Black said. “Phillips is completely cool about it.
“It was a sensible consideration of who was in the best position to compete and do the best performance here in Gateshead in a week’s time, and the selection panel decided to choose Nathan Douglas.
“Phillips understood that he was unlikely to be selected, and he is focusing on getting ready for the trials and the World Championships.”
Team GB Olympic heroes Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford will both compete at the 12-team event, which takes place on June 22/23. Christine Ohuruogu will run in the 4x400m relay.
