Laura Muir celebrates 'decade of global finals' as Scot predicts PB required for Olympic podium finish

Laura Muir celebrated a “decade of global finals” by qualifying for Saturday’s 1500m Olympic showdown - then admitted it’ll take a new personal best to get in the podium.

The Scot breezed through her semi final along with fellow GB star Georgia Bell in a time of 3.59.83 after easing up for the final 25m. It’s the 24th major final of Muir’s career - including eight at world championships or Olympics since 2015. And the Tokyo silver medallist said: “It’s very easy to think about the final before you get there but you have to get there first and this event has never been stronger.

“I didn’t want to take that for granted. But three times Olympian and three times Olympic finalist. I’m pretty chuffed with that. I’ve made every global final since 2015 - it’s not bad a decade of global finals and they’ve been pretty intense as well. I’m very chuffed with that. Do I think it will take a personal best to get on the podium? I think so. I mean, you have to be at least in shape to do that. Whether it'll happen or not on the day, I don't know. It’s going to be pretty quick. I’ve had two sub fours back to back already which is kind of crazy. I know I can run faster than I did in Paris which is exciting but what it’ll take we will just have to wait and see.”

Muir reset her PB across the city in the Stade Sébastien Charléty just four weeks ago in a time of 3.53.79. Muir was in the same semi as defending champ and world and Olympic record holder Faith Kipyegon who crossed the line first with Bell overtaking Muir to come in second in 3.59.74.

And the 30-year-old European Championship silver medalist said: “I’ve stopped putting limits on what’s achievable. Every race I keep growing in confidence. I’m just enjoying it to be honest. I’m a bit