On his first return to international competition for three years, triple jumper Nathan Douglas has been announced as captain of the British Athletics team for the European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands on 6-10 July. Discus thrower Jade Lally will lead out a 97-strong team at the Olympic Stadium on 6 July, having been bestowed with the honour of Flag Bearer for the British Athletics team at the Opening Ceremony.

33-year-old Douglas, who claimed his fourth British Championship triple jump title this past weekend, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be named Captain for the British Athletics team, especially for one of the biggest teams we have ever put together.  Many are aware of the difficulties I have faced in the past – to be back, make the European team and be named Captain is a very special moment.”

Olympic qualifier Lally, who also won her fifth British title this weekend and secured her spot on the plane to Rio, said: “There's a fair amount of responsibility to not physically mess this up, but the risk is not as high as me giving a speech!  So this is a great role for me.  I'm even prouder of the fact that a thrower has been asked to take on such an honour.  I shall carry the British flag with even more pride.”

“This is a big championships in a big year, so we needed a big personality who was capable of inspiring and uniting the team,” said British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black.  “Whilst it is Olympic year, we are taking the European Championships massively seriously and that has been reflected in the size and quality of the team selected.  Nathan is one of the most determined and resolute athletes we have, it is this steel and unwavering focus that I want him to bring to the captaincy and help us achieve great success in Amsterdam.

Jade has started the season off in great form and has already secured automatic qualification for the Rio Olympics this summer. This is the biggest and best team we have ever sent to a European Championships and I am delighted Jade has agreed to lead them out at the Opening Ceremony.”

Ten athletes will be making their senior international team debut for British Athletics at the European Championships in Amsterdam:

 

 

Men:

Nethaneel Mithchell-Blake (Dennis Shaver)

Jamie Webb (Adrian Webb)

Elliot Giles (Matthew Yates)

Jake Wightman (Geoff Wightman)

Ojie Edoburun (Jonas Tawiah-Dodoo)

Tsegai Tewedle (John MacKay)

Matt Bond (Norman Poole)

Women:

Sarah McDonald (Bud Baldaro)

Melissa Courtney (Mark Pauley)

Jessica Andrews