MARK English returned to action in fine fashion, winning the men’s 800m at the Sollentuna Grand Prix in Sweden.
A fine second lap saw English win in 1:45.70.
The Finn Valley man withdrew from two events recently with an injury, but a season’s best provides real encouragement for the Olympic hopeful.
His winning time was half-a-second outside the automatic Olympic qualifying time of 1:45.20.
This was the 28-year-old’s best outdoor performance in a considerable time. Indeed, this represents a new Finn Valley AC record over 800m.
Under pressure in the final 100m, English held off two-time European indoor medalist Álvaro di Arriba and 2018 European silver medalist Andreas Kramer.
English entered the race at 37th in the world rankings with 48 to compete in Tokyo. Victory here will provide him with valuable points
The Olympic qualification cut-off cut-off date is June 29.
English is due to race at Morton Stadium in two weeks’ time, when he defends his National Senior 800m title, but could yet appear in Madrid next weekend at the World Athletics Continental Tour meet.
