James Dasaolu: Neil Black says British sprinting in a 'great place'

UK Athletics performance director Neil Black claims British sprinting is in a "great place" after James Dasaolu's heroics in Birmingham on Saturday.

Dasaolu, 25, ran the 100 metres in 9.91 seconds at the British Championships.

That is a faster time than World and Olympic champion Usain Bolt this year and the second quickest British effort of all time after Linford Christie.

"It is the first time we have a choice and a challenge on who we take to the World Championships," said Black.

Dasaolu's astonishing performance in the semi-final has left the selectors with tough decisions to make when they meet on Monday.

Dwain Chambers is automatically included in the squad after winning the final in Birmingham, a race which Dasaolu did not run after he complained of cramp.

Dasaolu is all but assured of his place thanks to his form this season but the selectors must decide who to include, with Mark Lewis-Francis, Adam Gemili and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey likely to be competing for the final spot in the side.

"It's incredible for James and I think the thing about it is was one of a series of really fast runs," Black told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek. "We're incredibly happy for him and, backed up by Harry, Mark and Adam, sprinting is in a great place.

"It's for the selectors to select and that's what we're there for. We're constantly in contact with the athletes and coaches and we're fully updated to take that into Monday's selection meeting.

"A run-off is an interesting selection [option] but won't happen."

Meanwhile, Black dismissed fears that heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill will miss August's World Championships in Moscow with an ankle injury but is more concerned over long jumper Greg Rutherford's hamstring problem.

"There's a natural post-London Olympics set of circumstances where the timings are different where athletes have had to deal with high stresses of the success and things that came with it," said Black.

"Jess and Greg are a couple of athletes where the timings aren't right. Jess is clearly on her way back but with Greg we have one or two decisions to make."

Black also denied claims that triple jumper Phillips Idowu is to retire from the sport.

"I think everyone has a different interpretation but I deal in facts," he added.

"Phillips has taken some time out, he's been in communication with us and has been in constant contact with us. We're hopeful he'll return but we will wait and see."