England takes gold as preparations continue for London 2012

Over the weekend of February 11-12, University of Birmingham Sport (UBSport) alumni headed to the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield to compete at the UK Indoor Trials and Championship. Biochemistry graduate Hannah England was the star of the show while attempting a less familiar distance of the 3000m in a bid to improve her strength and stamina. The 2011 World Championship silver medallist tactically hit the front of the pack on the penultimate lap to execute her trademark sprint finish. The 24-year old dealt comfortably with the endurance test, crossing the finish line in an outstanding 9:06:04, and the win will help her in preparations for London 2012. Speaking to Channel 4 after the race Hannah, who has decided not to compete at the World Indoor Championships next month, said: 'I knew I was running within myself and could kick strongly. I'm in really good shape. The training's been brilliant; I've had two stints in Kenya with UK Athletics.' She added: 'I just wanted to challenge myself and come out of my comfort zone.