In 2011, I came to a cross road in my athletic career. After a lot of thought and discussions with my team around me, I decided to place decathlon on hold. Having represented England in an indoor heptathlon international, breaking the Sussex Senior Decathlon record in Woodford Green in May and no other decathlon international on the horizon in 2011, my training schedule changed, concentrating now on running (400m), hurdling (110m) and long jump.
Over the years, it was mentioned to me on many occasions by top coaches that I will eventually be an international 400m runner or hurdler. This was proven when I ran the 4th fastest 400m in the country as an Under 20.
In July, I ran my first proper 400m hurdle race. Although the time was not fantastic, 54.9, I easily won the race and most importantly, I really enjoyed the run! A few weeks later, I made the big decision to concentrate on running 400m hurdles. I ran two further races for Crawley. In my second race I ran a time of 53.45 and in my final 400m hurdle race of the season, I ran a time of 51.90. This placed me 21st in the UK ranking and 3rd in the Sussex All time list. The new training regime is clearly having an immense change in my running and times. My 200m PB improved by over half a second to 21.46 and the 400m to 47.7!
My 400m Hurdle time has attracted interest from other clubs and a new chapter in my career, I have moved clubs from Crawley to Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, a Premiership team. This was a very difficult decision to make as I have had a fantastic time competing for Crawley, making great friends but unfortunately the relegation of Crawley to the third division and my need to compete against top athletes left me with no choice.
My aim next year is to run under 50seconds in 400m Hurdles, under 47 in 400m and be selected for the Europeans! Training so far has been going very well and hopefully I will reach these targets.
I would like to thank my coach Steve King, Chris Minn, Ian Wilson, David Van Dyke, Greg Funnell (& my family) for all their support. Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous new year.
