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

The Colchester teenager is 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 knows it will probably take a lifetime best to book her place on the plane to Seville, Spain.

She said: "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 will take on the best in Britain, including number one Jo Wise, but not her role model, heptathlete star Denise Lewis, who is injured.

And even if she does not finish first or second, Claxton could still make the trip as selectors will meet on Monday to decide who gets the third place in the British team.

The former Colchester Sixth Form College student also competes in the 100m hurdles, where she is hoping for a final place, but the field event is her top priority. Both events take place on Sunday.

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.

The cream of British athletics will be competing in the three-day event at Birmingham which begins tonight (Friday).

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