After watching the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, aged just 18, racing in the Bird's Nest became top of my wish list. When it was announced the World Championships would be held there in 2015 I became extremely excited at the prospect and aimed to be there. Unfortunately, my recent injury eradicated any chance I had of visiting China for this event. Asia remains one of the few continents I have never visited and sadly all three opportunities have been missed due to a broken foot! Being optimistic about things, I keep focussing on the future - Rio '16, London '17, Birmingham '18, Gold Coast '18, Doha '19, Tokyo '20, Eugene '21. The next few years remain hugely motivating.
There is a part of me that would like to pretend the World Championships aren't happening but I know that I will be glued to the TV, supporting the rest of the GB team. My boyfriend, Michael Rimmer, is also competing in the 800m and although I am jealous, I am excited for him. I am extremely proud of how quickly he’s managed to return to competing after spinal surgery.
I think we have a really strong GB team. British Athletics have been strict with their selection policies and have only selected people who have automatically qualified or who they believe have the potential to make the final. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a fuller team to give more athletes the opportunity to compete as you never know what could happen on the day. It gives people the chance to shine on the big stage.
I believe we have some real medal potentials. Mo Farah is obviously our biggest chance with a shot in both the 5000m and 10000m. Our long jumper, Greg Rutherford, only has one global medal missing from his mantelpiece – World Championship Gold. He is currently ranked 5th in the world but is a brilliant championship performer and always produces the biggest jump of the day when it's needed. It will be really interesting to see who comes out on top between our Heptathletes. This will be Jess Ennis's first major championship since the London Olympics but she will be up against the extremely talented youngster, Katrina Johnson-Thompson. I know Kat has had a few injury problems throughout the year but she's battled her way back to full fitness and seems to be coming into form at the right time.
Looking further afield, I think there will be some outstanding performances to watch out for. Just last month, I was left absolutely gobsmacked watching Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia break the world record for the 1500m. Not only is she attempting to win gold over the 1500m but doing an unusual double, competing in the 5000m as well! I'm really looking forward to seeing how she competes over two events in such a jam-packed timetable. Laura Muir is also racing in the women's 1500m – certainly one to keep an eye on!
Championships are always drama-packed and that's what is so thrilling about them. You can never predict what is going to happen and nobody is ever a dead cert winner. As an athlete, there always needs to be a little luck on your side!
Hopefully, the GB team will be ready to put on some fantastic performances in China. Given the time difference, I may need some match-sticks for my eyes. Failing that, I'll be avoiding all social media until I can watch the races first hand! Nothing takes the excitement out of the competition faster than scrolling through a twitter feed of results and armchair critics!
Fingers crossed, this will be my last time watching it from the sofa.
