Chalmers believes sub-50 is on the cards
ALASTAIR CHALMERS opened the curtains on this rather different season with a spectacular show over the 300m hurdles yesterday.
Chalmers tackled the rare distance at Footes Lane and his 35.35sec. run ranks him fourth in the UK’s all-time list, slotting in ahead of Commonwealth Games hurdles champion and Olympic medallist Alan Pascoe.
The 20-year-old intends to use this proven form as a springboard to bigger things – particularly that elusive sub-50sec. run for the standard 400m hurdles.
What is certain is that he cut a classy figure in a field comprised solely of four Island Games medallists yesterday.
Sam Wallbridge and Peter Curtis have also secured top-20 UK rankings after finishing neck-and-neck just under 38sec., but Chalmers proved a level above even those two.
‘Especially in a field like this, with no mad competition, I was really, really happy to run a really rapid time,’ said Chalmers.
‘If I can put that into my 400 hurdles, then we’re looking at a solid, solid time – getting close to the dangerous times.
‘That’s well worth sub-50. Last year I was ill with glandular fever and coming out this year and feeling fit and healthy, especially through this pandemic, is just a massive blessing.
‘If I ran 49 over the 400 hurdles in Guernsey on my own… it’s always been a huge goal of my career and I think this is probably the year I’m going to do it, if I just keep my head down.’
Sarah Mercier and Abi Galpin also made their mark in the record books yesterday.
Mercier inched down her own Guernsey 5,000m record with 16-29.58 and Abi Galpin improved the existing 300m flat mark, running 39.87 to eclipse the best performance of fellow youngster Sophie Porter.
