Bell has taken unpaid leave from her job so that she can compete in TokyoThree British women will contest tomorrow’s Olympic 800m final but their journeys to get to the starting line could not have been more different. Jemma Reekie arrived with high expectations, emerging as a serious talent on the indoor circuit two winters ago and enjoying many of the rewards such success brings. With her British records for the 800m and the mile came a nice fat Nike contract that has enabled the 23-year-old Scot to prepare alongside her training partner, Laura Muir, very much as a professional for these Games. SponsoredKeely Hodgkinson still leads a comparatively modest existence. There is funding from the same American sportswear giant — as well as other financial support — and that is only likely to grow given her exceptional ability.

Source: The Times August 01, 2021 22:52 UTC