Mayock to become Irish switch

Britain's leading middle-distance runner, John Mayock, is considering switching his allegiance from England to Ireland as he steps up in distance to 5,000 metres next summer.

Only a week after his fellow Yorkshire runner Jon Brown hinted at a change of country, Mayock, who also runs for Barnsley, said he felt the change might further his career.

In Brown's case, his desire to represent Canada after living there for the last five years, first in Vancouver and now Victoria Island, is understandable, but the loss of Mayock would be a serious blow to British athletics.

"Why not?" he said. "I race a lot over there and the reception I get from the crowds is magnificent. They really enjoy the sport. My grandparents are from County Mayo. If the Irish want me I would consider the proposal."

Mayock failed to retain his BUPA Ireland Run title in Loughrea at the weekend, finishing fourth, but set a personal best of 23min 32sec for the distance.