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Dale goes for Commonwealth Games slot

00:00, 13 June 2002

WHITSTABLE athlete Charlotte Dale will bid to make her Commonwealth Games dream a reality on Sunday when she competes over 10,000m in the trials at Manchester.

The 18-year-old Invicta East Kent athlete already has the Commonwealth Games qualifying time, but needs to be one of the top two English finishers at Manchester to confirm her place.

The first two home-based finishers are guaranteed selection - providing they have the qualifying time - although a third discretionary place will be awarded.

Dale set a new junior UK 10k record of 33.10 in April, but faces competition in Manchester from Shaftesbury Barnet runner Lucy Elliott and Yorkshire's Lucy Wright.

International Hayley Yelling may also run, while guest pair Sonia O'Sullivan, of Ireland, and South African Elana Meyer will ensure the race is run at a high tempo.

Dale's coach Peter Brenchley believes the youngster stands a good chance of qualifying as long as she runs her own race.

"The advantage Charlotte has over some of her rivals is that she's already got the qualifying time," he said. "I'm sure that with Sonia O'Sullivan and Elana Meyer in the race it will be fast, but what Charlotte has to do is stay in control.

"She's looking for a position rather than a time so she's just got to follow the English athletes and make sure she is one of the top two."

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