Athletics: Kirk battles on through agony; INSIDE TRACK.

Byline: BY BILL McGUIRK

CHRIS KIRK was in agony after his efforts in Gateshead last weekend.

The Tyneside-based Yorkshireman had just competed in the biggest long jump of his career and, though he was hobbling painfully when it was all over, he still managed a wry smile which reflected the joy of just making it on to the runway. In the end, a sixth place wasn't a bad day at the office considering he was doubtful of taking part right until the morning of the competition.

"The past seven days have been amazing really," said the North Eastern Counties indoor champion.

"The weekend before last I had planned to compete in the Tartan Games, but as I was warming up I felt something pop in my foot.

"I thought I had broken a bone and was heartbroken for I really had my heart on competing in Gateshead in front of my friends and family.

"An X-ray showed there wasn't even a fracture, but the pain was so bad I couldn't walk on it for three days.

"It was really frustrating. Despite having no funding I managed to call on a physio friend who worked on the injury which saw the pain ease gradually.

"By Thursday the swelling and bruising were starting to improve, and then UKA roadshow came into town with all the backup that goes with it, so I managed to lock into their physio who set about getting me into shape so that I could compete.

"The plan was to make the Grand Prix my last comp of the season so I was determined to make it if at all possible.

"On Friday the pain was now bearable, but I couldn't manage to sprint on it. But by the Sunday, with my foot strapped up, I was focused on getting one jump in whatever.

"As it happened, I managed 7.36 metres in the first round and, whether it was the adrenalin that pumped me up or the close proximity of the crowd willing me on, the thought of the pain was pushed to the back of my mind and I decided to carry on.

"It went even better in round two and I improved a further 20 centimetres, which put me in third place in the competition. I couldn't believe it was happening.

"In the end I managed a further three rounds and by then my foot was really sore, but the main thing was I was happy." Kirk, who moved to the North East so that he could be close to his coach, Peter Stanley, has improved dramatically this season and is now ranked No 5 in the UK behind Olympians Greg Rutherford and training partner Chris Tomlinson.

Kirk, who picked up his first GB vest last year when he competed in the European Cup, has a best this season of 7.93 metres, but knows that the eight-metre barrier is within his grasp.

"There was no way I was going to get close to eight metres today, in fact only the winner, Miguel Pate, managed it," he said.

"However, in my last competition prior to Gateshead in Hendon before I picked up my injury I was jumping really well and had a couple of really good jumps which, unfortunately, were fouls.

"The officials measured them for me and the best one was around 8.30m which shows it is in there and I'd like to think it won't be long before I get a legal one in."

Kirk, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Saturday, was keen to point out that in his last three competitions when he has faced Tomlinson, he has come out on top.

"I was disappointed that Chris didn't do well in Beijing, but it wasn't surprising as he went there on the back of a bad injury.

"I keep ribbing him how I'm getting the better of him, but he takes it in good heart.

"I'm going to have a month off now to give the injury every chance to heal before embarking on the indoor season.

"The European Indoor Championships has to be a target and then the next part of the cycle is the outdoors and I can't wait for it to come around!"

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IN PAIN: Long jumper Chris Kirk