Talbot going for gold at schools championship (From Wiltshire Times)

Talbot going for gold at schools championship

2:35pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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Wiltshire sprinter Danny Talbot is hoping to keep his stunning mid-season form going by winning the gold medal at the Aviva English Schools Track and Field Championships next week.

The 18-year-old from Hilperton in Trowbridge has had an excellent campaign to date and clocked a new personal best of 21.35 seconds in the 200m at the Bedford International Games in May – the third fastest time by a junior this year.

And with the English Schools live on SKY television at the weekend, Talbot is determined to make a name for himself on the big stage,

He said: “I've had a good season so far and ran a personal best which is really encouraging but I want to better that time again next weekend.

“I love competing at the English Schools Championships because there is always a brilliant atmosphere and really good running conditions.

“The first year I competed there I was a bag of nerves but now I really enjoy the pressure of the event and I can't wait to get back on the track.

“It's a televised event as well which is brilliant because my mates can watch and if I come away with a medal it would be great for them to see that.”

The Trowbridge ace came third at last year’s event and is competing at the English Schools for the fourth consecutive year. And despite a disappointing performance, Talbot has eyes on qualifying for the European under 20 Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia.

“I would love to qualify for Serbia but I need to run a time of 21.30 which is a big ask but if everything goes to plan then I see no reason why I can't," he added.

“I didn't run well at all last week at the Nationals where I came fourth in the semi-final so I'm looking to make amends.

“It would cap a great year for me if I can win in the English Schools and secure a place for the trip to Serbia.”

Aviva English Schools Track & Field Championships Ambassador, Dame Kelly Holmes, will be attending this weekend’s event. Aviva is committed to giving every child in the UK the opportunity to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information go to aviva.co.uk/athletics’

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