Athletics - Meadows to captain British team at European Indoors

Meadows endured a disappointing 2012, missing the Olympics through injury, but is upbeat about defending the title she won in Paris two years ago. Pole vaulter Holly Bleasdale and high jumper Robbie Grabarz will also fancy their medal chances as the British team seek to improve on the eight medals, including three golds, they won in 2011. Perri Shakes-Drayton and Eilidh Child, the second and third fastest in the Europe over 400m will lead British hopes in the two-lap event while Michael Rimmer and Mukhtar Mohammed are ranked first and second in the continent over 800m. Shakes-Drayton, Child and Cox will also have a relay medal in their sights as the trio - joined by Christine Ohuruogu, Margaret Adeoye and Meghan Beesley - bid to add gold to the silver won by the 4x400m team two years ago. Dwain Chambers, a 60m gold medallist at the 2009 European Indoors, will also be looking to put himself in medal contention after winning silver last time around while Asha Phillip is ranked second in Europe this year following her recent 60m personal best of 7.15 seconds in Sheffield. “I have been really encouraged by the performances so far by the team in 2013, and I’m sure this will continue at the European Indoors," said British Athletics head coach Peter Eriksson. "Jenny Meadows has shown that she is a very strong character, with great leadership qualities and experience on this stage - she will be a great captain for the team.”