Carroll Ready for Budapest

Mark Carroll has been entered for both the 1500m and 5000m for next week’s European championships in Budapest but the programme would make it impossible to double up. “There was never any question of doubling up,” said Carroll yesterday.  “My ambition has always been at 5000m. They probably selected me for both events when I had qualified.”  His double at the national track and field league finals in Tullamore on  Sunday left fans buzzing with the prospects of a big performance in  Budapest. Carroll time-trialled a sleek 3:42.98 1500m before running fractionally outside his best 800m at 1:50.58.  “I have not run very many 800m races but this has to be one of my best. I felt very strong,” he said. “I was thrilled with my form”.