Alastair Chalmers has set his sights on a spot in the 400m hurdles final at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, after clocking a sensational personal best over the weekend.
The 25-year-old Guernsey-born athlete, and reigning British champion, stormed to a time of 48.30 seconds at a meet in Germany on Sunday, shaving 0.24 seconds off his previous best. The impressive performance not only secured the qualifying standard for the World Championships but also elevated him to fifth on the UK all-time list over the distance.
Speaking to BBC Radio Guernsey, Chalmers expressed both excitement and determination ahead of a busy summer.
“So much can happen between now and then, I’ve just got to stay healthy,” he said. “I think on the day in Tokyo if I can execute a really good race and I’m healthy and in good shape then there is a good chance I could make that final.”
Chalmers has been knocking on the door of major international success in recent years. He narrowly missed out on a place in the final at last summer’s European Championships, and fell in the semi-finals at the Olympic Games in Paris. Now, buoyed by the form of his life, he believes he is ready to take the next step.
The five-time British champion is also well aware of the challenge ahead.
“It’s going to be hard, but that’s the whole point of competition. You’ve got to turn up on the day and give it your all and not mess up,” he added.
Sunday’s performance was a significant milestone for Chalmers, not just for the personal record, but also for what it represents heading into a vital stage of his career.
“Running the fastest time of your life is always a lovely feeling,” he said. “When I crossed the line I was just very happy that I’d run that world qualifier, personal best — I think it was a meet record as well.”
Now, Chalmers’ immediate focus turns to the British Championships, where a top-two finish will automatically secure his place on the team for Tokyo. If his current form is any indication, Chalmers will be one to watch when the World Championships in Japan take place from 13-21 September.
