Athletics: Gunnell is primed

IT IS not difficult to understand how motivation becomes less easy for a world, Olympic and Commonwealth champion. For Sally Gunnell, who holds that distinction in the 400 metres hurdles, the incentive here is to complete the grand slam - and she can foresee breaking her own world record if required, writes Mike Rowbottom.

'My goals a few years ago were to be world and Olympic champion,' said Gunnell, who runs her opening heat this morning. 'Now I've got to set more. After this season is over, we are probably talking about becoming the first British woman to win two Olympic gold medals.

'But now I am concentrating on the only championship where I haven't won a medal. I am in the same shape, if not better, than last year. I'm not going out to break the world record, but if it happens, it happens.'

After winning the Goodwill Games last month, Gunnell went for a training break in Bordeaux. She allowed herself just one glass of wine - on her birthday. That kind of dedication will surely have its reward for her here.