Chris Tomlinson makes his mark

Eyebrows were raised when Newham & Essex Beagles long jumper Chris Tomlinson had been selected for the Olympic Games due to his lack of form this season.

Eyebrows were raised when Newham & Essex Beagles long jumper Chris Tomlinson had been selected for the Olympic Games due to his lack of form this season.

But the 30-year-old showed a glimmer of hope as he jumped a season’s best of 8.26m to take second place at the London Grand Prix meeting at Crystal Palace on Friday.

And Tomlinson was pleased to silence some of his critics with that performance.

“The criticism is just part and parcel of the sport we live in,” he said.

“We’re so performance driven that when we have a few poor performances, everyone focuses on them and blows it all out of proportion.

“It has taken time, but fortunately I seem to be turning the corner at just the right time.

“Before Crystal Palace everyone thought I was out of shape and out of form and wouldn’t get a medal jumping like I have.

“Now people are going to turn round and say I’ve got a chance! It’s the nature of our sport and I’ve just got to forget what everyone else is saying and just focus on what I need to do.”

Selectors

And now Tomlinson is keen to repay the faith shown in him by the selectors.

“I want to go there and enjoy it. It’s a home Olympics so I’ve got to make the most of it,” he added.

“Now I’m going to the Games on the back of 8.26m in a good event.

■ Meanwhile clubmate Robbie Grabarz produced a disappointing 2.22m to take second in the high jump at the same competition.

And with the Olympics just weeks away, the 24-year-old knows there is a lot to work on.

“I’m disappointed to be honest. I’ve put a couple of hard weeks in, but that performance doesn’t reflect how hard I’ve worked,” he said.

“I think it’s just a matter of concentration, coming into a meet like that. I shouldn’t have let that happen, I should have stayed in control to be honest.”