GOLDIE Sayers' former coach, Mike McNeil, believes that she will win scoop a medal in Beijing next week.The 26-year-old British No. 1 and national record holder will be in action in the qualifying round of the javelin on Tuesday.

Carl Marston

GOLDIE Sayers' former coach, Mike McNeil, believes that she will win scoop a medal in Beijing next week.

The 26-year-old British No. 1 and national record holder will be in action in the qualifying round of the javelin on Tuesday. Part of Sayers' training has seen her throw the javelin at the West Suffolk Arena in Bury St Edmunds.

McNeil said: “I've never seen Goldie look so good. She looks awesome and very strong. She has shown so much improvement from so many directions.

“She has so much experience and Mark Roberson, her coach, has made sure that she has fantastic conditioning. I used to coach Mark Roberson we well, and he's a great coach.

“I saw Goldie when Mark was on holiday. She is close to achieving something very special. I'm sure she can set a British record.

“She has thrown 64 metres four times and only thrown less than 62 metres once in competition this year.

I reckon Goldie is a strong contender for a medal. She has been around for so long - she competed in the World Juniors when she was only 15 or 16 - and I think she has learnt from her mistakes of the past.

“She has no worries and is in great shape. I believe it is her time to get a medal. From when she was 14 or 15, I never doubted that she would one day compete in the Olympics,” added McNeil.

Sayers became the first Briton to throw over 65 metres since the javelins were redesigned in 1999, when setting a new UK record of 65.05m at Loughorough last summer.

But she has disappointed in major championships to date. She failed to reach the Olympic final in Athens four years ago, and was 12th at both the 2005 World Championships and 2006 European Championships.