Holmes 'can handle double gold bid'

Kelly Holmes is looking sharp enough to handle the challenge of adding a 1500 metres gold medal to the one she has already won over 800m, according to the British camp.

Holmes cruised through her 1500m heat last night.

She has a rest day today before tackling her semi-final tomorrow night.

Great Britain’s athletics team leader Max Jones said: “She ran a really great tactical race last night and again looked sharp.

“I thought she might be a little tired and emotional after winning her gold medal. Instead she was again totally professional.”

Meanwhile Dean Macey, competing in only his second decathlon in three years, reflected on his fourth placing in yesterday’s final.

“I don’t deserve a gold, silver or bronze medal but I deserve a gold one for effort.”

Injury-plagued Macey, who only achieved the B qualifying standard last month in Hexham to guarantee his place, realistically knew his hopes of winning a medal were extremely tough.

“Those guys out there were in a different league to me,” said Macey. “The medallists were on top of their game.

“But I have to be happy with my score in the comeback and I’m looking positively to the future.”