Today was the final day of the British Olympic Trails, held at he Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. The event was actually to National Championships, but for many of the athletes taking part it was also the day that the performance was to determine if they are selected for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. The Beijing Olympics is only 26 days away now, so this was one of the last event days in athletics before final selections are made. Some of the highlights are:

Christine Ohuruoga ran well in the women’s 200m finishing in 22.99, just behind Emily Freeman, who crossed the line at 22.92. Both are likely to secure a place in the Olympic games.

Sarah Claxton won the Women’s 100m hurdles, she finished in 13.21

Helen Clitheroe performed well in the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase, beating the UK record, and finishing in 9:36:98.

Phillips Idowu jumped 17.58m in the men’s triple jump, which was only 1cm off the Alexander Stadium record, still held by Jonathan Edwards.

Tom Parsons won the men’s high jump, reaching the dizzy heights of 2.30.

Christian Malcolm secured his place on the plane to China to compete in the men’s 200m with a winning time of 20.52. Malcolm said: “I knew I was going to run well because I have had a good winter and I am injury free. I felt strong all weekend and it has come together at the right time – I have run a season’s best and to get the A standard is a great bonus.”

Kelly Sotherton had another good meeting, with a Long Jump of 6.28m and a javalin throw of 34.31m.

Marilyn Okoro won the women’s 800m in 1:59:82, just ahead of Jemma Simpson. Both should have places in Team GB in Beijing.

Full results can be found on  UKAthletics.net.

Athletics and Health and Fitness: All in all it was a great meeting, with some promising results for the GB athletics team in Beijing. Seeing these athletes in action is a great reminder of how excellent fitness can be achieved. Many of the female athletes had visible 6 packs, and the some of the men have extremely well defined upper bodies. Athletics training is certainly one of the best ways to get fit and also provides a fantastic opportunity to compete and represent your local club, and even your country, in many championships. Along with gymnasts and bosers, athletes have to be some of the fittest people on the planet. Athletic training involves all the best parts of fitness and weightloss training, such as resistance training, interval training and endurance training.