Long jump star Sarah Claxton was attempting to qualify for the World Championships in Birmingham this weekend.

The Colchester teenager was aiming to leap into one of the two automatic slots by finishing in the top two at the AAA Championships at the Alexander Stadium.

But Claxton knew it would probably take a lifetime best to book her place on the plane to Seville, Spain.

She said before the meet: "I'm pretty confident. It's a tough challenge but competing against the best brings out the best in you. I think it will take 6.60m-plus to qualify. My best this season is 6.56m at Loughborough in June."

That leap is also her personal best. The 19-year-old English Schools' champion was taking on the best in Britain, including number one Jo Wise, but not her role model, heptathlete star Denise Lewis, who is injured.

First and second place finishers qualify as of right, and selectors will meet today to decide who gets the third place in the British team.

The former Colchester Sixth Form College student also competed in the 100m hurdles, where she was hoping for a final place, but the field event was her top priority. Both events took place yesterday.

World junior hurdles champion Julie Pratt, of Chelmsford, is not competing. She is flying out to Gothenburg in preparation for the European Under-23 Championships which start on Thursday.

Claxton will join her in Sweden next week.

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