Johnson bounces back from injury with bronze

By workex2

LICHFIELD runner Stacey Johnson has overcome what she describes as the worst injury of her career to come away from the National Under-23 Championships with a bronze medal, writes Hannah Chawner .

Johnson entered the competition in Bedford last weekend hoping to follow up her success in December at the European Cross Country Championships.

She participated in the 5,000m – hoping to make the 16.20mins European qualifying time – after three months out from January to March with a troublesome hip problem.

After the disappointment of coming fifth in that race, she elected to start the 1,500m one hour later and a fine performance earned her third position in the event.

"I felt I had nothing to lose and it was an event I was reigning champion for," she said.

"Considering I have struggled to train this last month I am pleased that I managed to get a medal."

Johnson is now hoping to get her fitness levels up and enjoy racing the British circuit as she prepares for her move to Florida in August having accepted an athletics scholarship there.

She added: "I'm really excited and am looking forward to maximising my training with limitless psychological support and good weather!"

Fellow Lichfield runner Tom Burton maintained his fine start to the season with another personal best and a bronze medal from the European Trials.

Twenty-year-old Burton set out his stall out when he took second – to Lloyd Gumbs – in his heat of the 400m hurdles at the AVIVA under-23 Championships, finishing in 52.92secs before claiming third in the final in a personal best of 51.10secs.