Prescod cries foul over claims he walked out on Britain's sprint relay team
Reece Prescod accused team bosses of ‘emotional blackmail’ as he defended himself against claims he had walked out on Britain’s sprint relay squad.
The fourth fastest man the country has ever produced is hurt by claims made on the eve of these World Championships and broke cover to give his version of events.
“I tried to help, hurt myself, and was like I can’t risk it,” he said. “It was just unfortunate. I've spoken to the boys. I’ve apologised to them and said ‘I never want to let you guys down. I don't want you to paint me as the bad guy.”
He claimed he was told in January he was not going to be part of the relay setup for this season then, at the last minute, asked to come back in.
He did as requested but injured his hip in practice and had to spend the best part of three weeks getting himself fit to compete at all in Budapest.
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It was then, he claims, he was involved in “conversations” with British Athletics hierarchy that left him “upset”.
Prescod (back middle) was part of the GB team that won World bronze in Eugene last year“There was a lot of pressure from the federation,” he said. “It's not that I didn't want to be part of the team. I love the boys. Me and the boys get along. But I didn't want to risk hurting myself and I wouldn’t want to let down the country.
“I had to go to the doctor and they're pretty aware of the situation. And then it came out that Reece quit.
"It’s been quite hard dealing with all the negativity. I’ve felt quite isolated at these Champs if I’m being honest. I’ve felt quite distant from the team.
(Getty Images)“I was a bit upset about some of the conversations. It just wasn’t a nice environment to be in. It kind of felt a little bit like emotional blackmail.
British Athletics declined to comment. Prescott meanwhile qualified for the 100m semi-finals in a time of 10.14secs.
Great Britain opened their medal account in dramatic fashion when the mixed relay team claimed silver after the Dutch fell yards from the line.
Rio Mitcham, Yemi Mary John, Laviai Nielsen and Lewis Davey after winning Britain's first medal - silver in the mixed relay (Getty Images)Yemi Mary John on the anchor leg looked set for bronze after Lewis Davey, Laviai Nielsen and Rio Mitcham put her in position.
But it got even better when European 400m champion Femke Bol attempted to overtake the Americans at the death and fell on her face.
"It was a fight and we knew it would be.," said Yemi.. "I fought through to the end. There were so many emotions and I really had to cross the line to realise what had just happened."
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Alexis Holmes bring the US team home in a world record time as Dutch star Femke Bol falls (AFP via Getty Images)Mitcham added: "It means everything. A medal can change your life and that's why I can't stop smiling."
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