Team Bath all-rounder Emily Dixon earns England call

Team Bath all-rounder Emily Dixon has been selected to make her debut for England in the Home Countries Multi- Events Indoor International on Saturday.

The selection will be a great, belated birthday present – she turned 17 on Tuesday – for Dixon and will top off a hectic few weeks the teenager.

That is because she only returns to Britain from a school trip to Malaysia this week and, after a brief stop-over at her home in Frome, will head up to Glasgow for Saturday's competition.

"Emily was absolutely chuffed to bits when I spoke to her about the selection and it is a great honour for her and the club," said Di Viles, who, along with Colin Baross and Ken Holmes, coaches her at Team Bath AC.

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"I'm not sure whether she will have had a chance to do any training while in Malaysia and it is hardly ideal preparation but Emily is a very good competitor so I am sure she will do okay."

Dixon's selection is a reward for her excellent form at the end of the summer season.

It was just over two months ago that she finished as runner-up in the inter girls' heptathlon at the English Schools' Championships with a personal best score of 4,338 points and that success has earned her that first England vest in Saturday's match against Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Such are the high standards that Alex Carter sets for himself that the 17-year-old Team Bath AC runner gave a damning verdict on his performance at the McCain Cross Challenge in Liverpool.

"That was rubbish," said Carter after finishing 13th place in the under-17s men's race.

"I went there looking for at least the top six and, if it went really well, the top three but after 1k I knew it wasn't going to be my day as I didn't feel good at all.

"It was a real struggle and I am very disappointed. But there are bigger races to come after Christmas so I need to make sure I am ready for those now."

The Chronicle's athletics coverage is sponsored by Running Bath, Bath's specialist running shop. Catering for runners of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes, it offers a wide range of running footwear, apparel and accessories. Visit Running Bath at 18 High Street, Bath, call 01225 462555 or log on to www.runningbath.co.uk.