Myerscough aiming for shot put final at World Indoors

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

CARL Myerscough believes he has what it takes to qualify for the shot put final at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Doha this weekend.

THE BLACKPOOL TOWER: Carl Myerscough believes he can reach the shot put final in Doha

The 6'10" athlete, who is affectionately known as the ‘Blackpool Tower', is the British record holder after throwing 21.92m in Sacramento in 2003.

With a season's best of 20m, the 30-year-old believes anything can happen if he throws big enough to reach the final in Qatar.

But Myerscough will face tough competition from the likes of Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski from Poland and defending champion and Olympic silver medallist Christian Cantwell from the USA.

"My training has been going pretty well - I'm in one piece anyway so that's good," said Myerscough.

"I've been based out in California so I haven't had much chance to compete in many events.

"The lack of events could work one way or the other as I feel quite fresh, but I could be competition rusty as a result

"But I feel like I am prepared well for this meet and if I can go over 20m then I will be pleased.

"It's a world indoors so every man and his dog will be here and I know it is going to be tough to do well.

"But I'm confident I can make it into the top eight for the final and then see what happens."

With his two year ban for testing positive for banned substances in 1999 now well and truly behind him, the shot putter is looking for 2010 to bring medal success in the outdoor season too.

"I'm hoping to do well in the Europeans and Commonwealths this year," he added.

"The Commonwealths are the main priority for this year and I'm confident I can come back with a medal."

Aviva has been proud to have helped and supported the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships since 1999. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information.