An interview with the British high jump champion in Birmingham

Isobel Pooley has described her British high jump record-equalling clearance of 1.97m at the Sainsbury’s British Championships on Saturday as “really sweet” but added how it is a “stepping stone”.

The 22-year-old’s aim was to secure selection for next month’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing and she won’t be resting on her laurels as she looks to hit new heights.

“I have another goal right now and there is no reason why I shouldn’t look to 2.00m,” she said. “I’m overjoyed with the gold medal and to go to Beijing but I want that 2.00m and there’s no reason why I can’t do it.”

Her winning mark in Birmingham matched the height cleared by Katarina Johnson-Thompson indoors earlier this year but it is the highest any British woman has ever cleared outdoors. The UK outdoor best until Saturday had been 1.96m set by Pooley herself in Germany last August.

“I’ll just keep going and enjoying what I do because I enjoyed it out there and the atmosphere was so lovely,” added Pooley.

“All of that combined to produce that performance and if I lose sight of that then I will put too much pressure on myself if something is good why change it.

“There was pride as well because I was defending champion and I only won for the first time last year but that wasn’t a healthy thing to focus on.

“I just wanted to go out and enjoy it and give Birmingham a good time.”

Sainsbury’s is a proud partner of British Athletics. The partnership reflects Sainsbury’s wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury’s School Games. www.sainsburys.co.uk

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