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Eriksson looks to emulate Paris

09:45, Feb 20 2013

 

Head coach Peter Eriksson is confident he can deliver one of Great Britain's most successful European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg next month.

Eriksson has targeted beating the eight-medal haul won in Paris two years ago after naming his first squad since taking over from Charles van Commenee.

While the 60-year-old Swede came in for some criticism from Paula Radcliffe following the announcement of his 29-member squad, Eriksson believes Team GB can continue the feelgood factor of the London Olympics. "Medal targets are always interesting. Our approach is to do better (than in Paris) - that's what I'm going to stick to," he said.

"I want us to do well and I think we have a team that can do really well. It's a strong team. The guys selected are keen to show there will be no (Olympic) slump. I am positive."

Great Britain have only ever won more than eight medals on three occasions, with the 10 secured in Birmingham six years ago the high-water mark.

While Eriksson will be without two defending champions from Paris - Mo Farah and Helen Clitheroe were expected absentees - Jenny Meadows will make the trip after she was surprisingly named captain.

The 31-year-old only returned from a 16-month injury lay-off at the British Grand Prix in Birmingham at the weekend, but ran under the 800m qualifying mark in finishing second.

"She came back after a long break in Birmingham where she did fantastic," Eriksson said. "I can just see her getting stronger and stronger. I think she is a role model for the young ones in the team."

Eriksson has been enthused by performances during the winter when Holly Bleasdale has elevated herself to the top of the pole vault world rankings. Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz will be one of the favourites in the high jump while both 4x400m relay teams are capable of challenging for gold.

"We have already seen some great results going into this event - in particular I think the 4x400m teams are very strong," Eriksson said. "Other performances through the winter have been good with Holly, Robbie and also Perri Shakes-Drayton."

 

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