SerpApi.Org
Lauren Roy believes the disappointment of missing out on the Commonwealth Games could ultimately work in her favour as she chases double gold at this weekend’s Senior Track and Field Championships in Dublin.
“It’s definitely a blessing in disguise,” said the Ballymena sprinter, who will compete in the 100m and 200m at Morton Stadium.”
The Commonwealth Games begin tomorrow in Glasgow, but Roy is now focused on a weekend that will also celebrate Ciara Mageean, a City of Lisburn clubmate and one of the athletes who inspired her own career.
Roy described Mageean as “such an inspiration” and recalled receiving advice from her on race tactics and dealing with nerves when she was just 16.
“She’s always been so helpful and compassionate,” Roy said.
“She’s a great person.”
Roy’s own weekend could be a significant one, with a first senior national title firmly in her sights after previously finishing third in the 200m and second in the 100m.
“I always have set myself huge goals and I think that double gold is definitely on the cards for me this weekend,” she admitted.
The 200m final could be one of the races of the championships, with Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley also expected to feature.
Adeleke is returning home in a bid to secure qualification for the Europeans in Birmingham after another injury-hit season, but Roy is not focusing on any individual opponent.
“My goal isn’t to beat anyone specifically,” she said. “It’s to execute my own race and, hopefully, the outcome of that will be a national title.
“But again, I’m super excited to have the opportunity to race against not just Rhasidat and Sharlene, but all the other girls.”
Roy’s presence comes after a difficult period in which she missed out on Commonwealth Games selection.
A clash between the Northern Ireland Championships and the NCAA Championships in the United States meant she was unable to compete in the domestic event required for selection.
After exploring whether an exception could be made, Roy ultimately had to accept Athletics NI’s decision.
“It definitely would be nice,” she said of competing in Glasgow.
“I definitely wouldn’t use the word anger, more disappointed because I would have loved to be able to represent Northern Ireland with such strong athletes that they are sending, but I also totally understand their side of things.
“To fit both meets into such a short time period was always going to be a challenge anyway, one I was capable of and more than willing to accept.
“But again, I take it as a blessing in disguise and I’m super excited that I’m in Ireland and competing at the national championships, and then set my sights on Birmingham.”
Roy has already qualified for the 200m at the European Championships, while also chasing the qualifying standard or sufficient ranking points for the 100m.
“I definitely have my sights set on medalling, particularly in the 200m,” she said.
“I’m very highly ranked and I know that I have much more to come in that event this year.”
Roy will complete her master’s degree in psychology in the US and is retaining her training setup in Texas.
She believes consistency has been central to her progress this season, which has seen her set PBs in the 60m, 100m and 200m.
“I’ve just really bought into the programme and seen the improvements this year, it’s just been great.”
