World-class long jumper Shara Proctor decision has been welcomed by UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee, who has been a constant critic of the strength of women’s field athletes at his disposal as she will switch her allegiance from Anguilla to Britain.
International Association of Athletics Federations had approved her transfer of allegiance and the 22 year-old, who finished sixth at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin with a lifetime best of 6.71 metres, is eligible to represent Britain
She has held British citizenship since birth but grew up in St Croix, Anguilla.
“I’m happy to welcome Shara into the team,” said Van Commenee.
“She’s a high-calibre athlete who has proven to be able to make finals at global championships.
“We are not strong in women’s field events at the moment. The fact that Shara has decided to represent Britain from now on will make the team stronger.”
Proctor, who will be added to the UK Athletics World Class Performance Programme and will receive the top tier of Lottery funding, also competes in the triple jump and has personal bests of 13.88m indoors and 13.74 outdoors.
Having recently completed a sports management degree at the University of Florida, she said she was looked forward to the chance to compete for the host nation in London in 2012.
“My lifelong dream has always been to compete at the highest level in track and field,” she said.
“I am therefore thrilled that I can potentially compete for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the London 2012 Olympics.
"It will certainly be an honour to represent the United Kingdom.”
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