Emerson in it for the long haul on road to Tokyo

British heptathlete Niamh Emerson admitted it will be a tough ask to qualify for this year’s World Championships in Doha but it’s a challenge she’s readily accepting.

The 20-year-old Loughborough University student competed at BUCS Outdoors in Bedford over Bank Holiday Weekend, claiming a silver medal in the shot put with a throw of 13.36m.

Emerson, who studies psychology, felt a bit rusty at her outdoor season opener but saw some positive signs, also competing in the long jump and hurdles.

“It’s been really good. I think it was tough weather conditions but actually it wasn’t that bad when we were out there,” said Emerson, who hails from Shirland.

“It was my season opener, so I feel a bit rusty but overall I think I’m quite happy with where I’m at.

“Pretty much all of my events have been the quickest or furthest season opener so that’s a positive sign.”

Earlier this year Emerson claimed a pentathlon silver for Great Britain at the European Indoors in Glasgow, after a stunning 2018 in which she became World Junior Heptathlon Champion and won a bronze at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

The second year psychology student is aiming to compete at the world championships in Doha but knows it’s a tall order.

“I have Gotzis in three weeks now, so I was using this and the Loughborough International as a warm-up,” Emerson added.

“Then after Gotzis we will see what score I get to plan the rest of the year.

“I’ve potentially got the European U23 Championships coming up as well.

“So hopefully I’ll try and get my standard in Gotzis and if I don’t, I’ll go to the U23s and get my standard but obviously I have to PB to qualify, so it’s a tall ask but it’s definitely in the plan and an aim for this year.”

The 2018-19 BUCS Outdoor Athletic Championships was hosted over the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend at Bedford Stadium. Read more at www.bucs.org.uk or follow us at @BUCSsport