altMay 18 - Welsh athletics legends Colin Jackson and Tanni Grey Thompson (pictured) have both given their backing to next month’s new Super8 competition in Cardiff. 

 

The two-hour City versus City concept is being piloted in the Welsh capital next month and several leading British athletes, including Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, have confirmed their participation. 

 

The host city will be hoping to be inspired by a big home crowd as they take on teams from London North, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, London South, Glasgow and Sheffield on Wednesday June 10 at the Cardiff International Sports Arena.

 

Jackson, the former world record holder for 110 metres hurdles, said: “I expect a really exciting night of athletics on June 10.

 

"The format is fast paced and exciting and lends itself to a frenzied evening of sport.

 

“Some of the teams look really strong with plenty of the UK’s top Olympic athletes right in the thick of the action.

 

"It will be tough for the home team, but there are not many sporting crowds as passionate as the Welsh and I expect Cardiff to be in inspired form on the night.”

 

Dame Tanni said: “In athletics, it is almost without exception that the competitions the spectators enjoy the most are also those that the athletes enjoy the most.

 

"They feed off each other.

 

"The Super8 format is one that easily appeals to both athlete and spectator.

 

"It promises to be highly charged-stuff on the track, in the field and in the stands. I for one, can’t wait for June 10.”

 

Confirmed names for Super8 already include 400m Olympic gold medallist Ohuruogu, who will captain London North, Olympic 400m hurdles bronze medallist Tasha Danvers who will captain London South, UK Indoor 800m champion Jenny Meadows who will captain Manchester and Olympic 800m semi-finallist Marilyn Okoro, who will compete for London North.

 

More big names will be announced in the coming days.