Meadows happy to play waiting game in search of gold

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

 JENNY Meadows insists she is prepared to bide her time in her pursuit to top a major international podium after scooping 800m world indoor silver in Doha at the weekend.

LONG-TERM THINKING: Jenny Meadows is undeterred by missing out on gold and believes a first major international victory is not far away (Getty Images)

The 28-year-old, who clinched bronze at the World Championships in Berlin last summer, arrived in Doha among the favourites and as captain of the Great Britain squad.

Meadows was imperious in qualifying for the final but she could not hold off a late surge from Russia's 2009 European Indoor champion Mariya Savinova on the home straight and had to settle for second best.

In taking silver however, Meadows carved another sizeable chunk off her British record, crossing the line in 1:58.43 minutes, and the ‘Pocket Rocket' believes it's only a matter of time before she strikes gold.

"I won bronze in Berlin and silver here so I have to say the signs look right for me," said Meadows.

"I wanted gold, I was here for gold but I knew it was going to be really tough and so it proved.

"I'm not too disappointed, if you look at the time then I have to be happy and I think it shows good signs of progress.

"I was excited this morning and I was looking forward to the race and I am sure it was a great once to watch.

"I thought I was holding her off but she came through and I just had to keep battling on for the silver.

"I know there are big things to come for me and I am confident I am on the right path.

"I just need to keep building and building and I can take heart from the fact that silver was good but the time was brilliant."

The start of Meadows' race was delayed while controversial sprinter Dwain Chambers received the gold medal he won in Saturday's 60m final.

And after coming within 0.17seconds of claiming Britain's third gold of the competition, the British record holder admitted she was already dreaming of her day in the sun.

"It was great to see Dwain get his medal but I tried to put his ceremony out of my mind when I was waiting to start," added Meadows.

"I want to win that gold and I do think about it when people are saying I'm going to do it and when people are writing about me being a champion.

"I do find it strange still that everyone knows who I am and that people who don't even know about athletics expect me to win things.

"But I'm grateful for it and even though I get all the credit, I couldn't do it without all the support I get from my backroom staff."

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