WILL BATTERSHILL is set make his long-awaited senior Great Britain track debut this month at the 2025 European Athletics Team Championship in Madrid.
Battershill has been named as Great Britain’s representative in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase for the team competition between June 26 and 29 after recently opening his season over the barriers with an 8:24.20 run in Germany.
The former Ivybridge Community College and Erme Valley Harriers athlete has previously represented GB at cross country and junior level, but has had a frustrating wait for a full senior track call-up, even after winning the 2023 British title, competing at Diamond League meetings and setting a new PB of 8:21.83 last year, which put him 12th on the UK all-time list.
However, he has been selected in a 42-strong team for the competition in Spain, alongside the likes of Jazmin Sawyers, Lawrence Okoye, Tade Ojora, Alistair Chalmers, Scott Lincoln and Lina Nielsen.
Performance director at UK Athletics, Paula Dunn, said: “The European Team Championships provide an excellent opportunity for our athletes to gain valuable championship experience in a highly competitive environment.
“With 42 athletes representing the GB&NI team, including several senior debutants and established international performers, this event plays a crucial role in their development and season plans.
“Competing in Madrid against Europe’s best will be a key milestone for many as we look ahead to the World Championships later in the year. I am confident that this team will rise to the challenge and look forward to supporting the squad in Spain.”
Meanwhile, Erme Valley Harriers’ Matthew Gilvear finally broke the four-minute barrier for the 1,500m on Wednesday night in Loughborough.
Gilvear clocked 3:57.88 to finish eighth in a strong senior men’s A race at the BMC meeting.