TROWBRIDGE’S Danny Talbot ran one of the races of his life to storm into the semi-finals of the Olympic 200m in Rio today.

The 25-year-old sprint star, a bronze medallist at this year’s European Championships in Amsterdam, equalled his personal best of 20.27 seconds as he crossed the line second in the first of 10 heats at the Olympic Stadium.

Talbot was pitted against the likes of Alonso Edward, who became the youngest-ever world championship medallist when he won silver in Berlin in 2009 at the age of 19, but after storming around the bend, the Trowbridge Tornado flew to the head of the pack and finished narrowly behind the Panamanian, who won in 20.19.

The Wiltshire ace even afforded himself time to glance to his right and slow his pace as he approached the finish line.

“I’m very happy with that. I’ve known for a while my PB was coming but for whatever reason, it hasn’t quite worked out," Talbot told the BBC.

“I saw lane two drawn and I thought ‘do you know what? I was there in London at the Diamond League (in July) and I ran alright', so I learned my lessons and was a lot more relaxed this time."

Talbot missed out on an individual 200m berth four years ago at London 2012 but was delighted to go some way to making up for lost time.

He added: “It’s arguable whether I should have been there or not. Richard Kilty also got the qualifying time and didn’t get selected.

“Everything happens for a reason and I missed out on the individual in London but I’m here now and I’m enjoying it, and hopefully it will continue.

“I’ll just do the same again. All I’m trying to do here is relax and enjoy myself.

“Athletics can be very stressful and can cause a lot of problems mentally but I don’t train all year to get to the start line and be nervous, so want to I come here and do my best, stay relaxed and just keep enjoying it.”

Talbot will now look forward to the semi-finals, which begin at 2am UK time on Thursday.