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RAINHILL’S Jamie Webb has been chosen to represent British Athletics at the European Championships where he hopes to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio.

Webb was selected after finishing second at last weekend’s British Championships.

This is the first time he has been picked for a GB senior team.

The 22-year-old Liverpool Harrier will compete against new British champion Elliot Giles and Michael Rimmer, who Webb overtook on the home straight at the British Championships.

Manchester Metropolitan University Sport scholar is the current British senior indoor 800m champion and the soon-to-be graduate has his sights set purely on Rio this summer.

“I am delighted to make my first senior team, it’s a big step up from under 23s last year so I’m heading in the right direction,” he said.

“I feel I’m capable of running the Olympic standard.

“I’m just going to try and be in the best shape I can possibly be in for the Europeans and see what happens there!”

Webb was pleased with his British Championship performance but said being deprived of first place has left him wanting more.

“The time was fairly irrelevant with it all being about position, I’m very happy to come second but obviously always want to win so it still leaves me hungry!”

The Prescot-born runner says that his three years at university has helped him to develop as an athlete.

“My time at university has been my transition from an average athlete to what will hopefully be a professional level this summer.

“Through the MMU Sport scholarship programme I’ve had brilliant support throughout from nutritional guidance, massage, strength and conditioning, and financial support, which has really helped me get the position I’m in now.”

Webb will compete at the European championships and aim for Rio qualification in Amsterdam on 6-10 July.

To keep up with Jamie’s progress follow him on twitter at @jamie_webb94