It’s make or break time for a string of local athletes at the AAAs Championships in Birmingham this weekend.

The competitors will be vying for places at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships at the three days event – and Coventry and Warwickshire athletes are expected to do well.

The first two competitors from each country will qualify for the Commonwealth Games and the first two British athletes for the European Championships. The third placed competitors should also go through but selectors can make a discretionary selection.

Coventry Godiva’s Marlon Devonish is the favourite to land the 100 metres title after winning the first two rounds of the Nivea Series, designed to unearth the next Linford Christie. He tasted success in Bedford and Gateshead and is expected to chalk up a hat-trick.

Andy Hart (Coventry Godiva) will be hoping to build on his personal best in the 800m at the European Cup in St Petersburg and is the top ranked British competitor this year.

Katharine Merry, now training under Linford Christie in Cardiff, will run the 100m and 200m and is expected to do better in the latter, her stronger event.

Her cousin Emma Merry (Coventry Godiva) will have to improve on her fifth ranking to qualify in the discus but is confident she is making progress after an interrupted winter training campaign.

Glynn Tromans (Coventry Godiva) is aiming for the 5,000m after competing in the World Half Marathon Championships last year, and teammate Jo Wise is favourite to triumph in the long jump.

Steve Phillips (Rugby AC) will have to improve on recent form to qualify in the long jump to join Coventry Race Walking Club’s Andi Drake who is already through in the 20km walk.

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