Rio 2016: Laura Weightman stays on an even footing in search of 1,500m final spot

Weightman, 25, has experienced a rollercoaster four years since reaching the 1,500m final on her Olympic debut at London 2012 with the runner enjoying a particularly good 2014 which featured a silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and a European Championships bronze.

Last year was less productive with the athlete injuring herself at the World Championships – two years on from also picking up an injury 2013.

Weightman admitted: “It’s been an up and down four years and I think I am in this phase of going up and down. I seem to be really good in even years but odd years I have had some real issues.

“2013, I got injured in the British Championships and that ruined my worlds yet 2014 I had the summer of my life and two medals at major championships.

“Then we know how 2015 ended in Beijing with severe concussion and ultimately not being able to finish a championships.

“With 2016 being an even year – it can only mean good things and fingers crossed I can go to Rio and put on a good performance and build on what I achieved in London.”

The Leeds Beckett University graduate, who still trains at the school, added: “I think ultimately in 1,500m I think anything can happen. You never know what can happen if you can get on that start line in the final. But you have got to get there first.

“I have achieved goal one, I have made the Olympic Games and I think now you want to get through those rounds and make that final. It would be a big ask to say I am going in there aiming for a medal but making that final would be realistic – and then who knows?”