She was the Swiss gold medal sensation after her brilliant and emotional finish in London when she was given the nod after a brutal sprint alongside Sweden’s Lisa Norden and a review of the photo-finish.
Now 32, Spirig does not want to miss the opportunity of competing in a major championship on home ground.
She revealed her intentions at the Swiss Cross Country Championships where she took second place.
“I want to try to make the European Championships qualifying time of 2:44:00 at the Zurich marathon on 6 April.
“This will serve as a good indicator for me to know if I should focus on the marathon or the 10,000m,” she said.
This attitude demonstrates Spirig’s absolute desire to be among the field of athletes competing in August, she who took silver medals in the junior women’s race at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships back in 1999 and 2000.
Spirig is excited for her marathon debut, especially since it’s so close from her home in Bachenbülach, on a course that is considered one of the quickest in Europe.
“My first marathon in Zurich will be a short trip from my town, my family and friends can all be there too.”
The Zurich marathon organisers are thrilled a major name such as Spirig’s will be included. The Organising Committee President Bruno Lafranchi said: “I am proud that Nicola will make her debut at the Zurich Marathon, and we will offer her the best possible conditions to achieve her chronometric objective.”
The women's marathon takes place on 16 August and hopefully Spirig will be among the contenders on the road in Zurich.
