Ala on trail of two cities

Guernsey’s 400m hurdles ace, who clinched last year’s British title with a sublime 49.66ec. run, is heading to Nuneaton in Warwickshire to compete in a National League ‘Warmup’ meet hosted by the prestigious Birchfield Harriers club.

‘I’m opening up... against the best in Britain, so that’ll be a great opener for me,’ he said.

But, looking at the broader season, the Tokyo ‘2020’ Olympics reign supreme.

The younger Chalmers brother will have to work further into the 49sec. range in order to qualify, as well as maintaining his place among Great Britain’s top two or three.

If he doesn’t achieve that lofty aim, it is not the end of the world, he admits.

‘I’m only 21 years old and I’m a realistic guy – if it doesn’t happen this year for the Olympics, then I’ll keep my head up high and I’ll keep moving towards Paris 2024,’ he added.

‘My coach and I both believe we can get to Japan. It’s just about fine-tuning everything – I really do feel like I’m in the shape of my life at the moment.

‘Get me in a great environment with great athletes and we’ll see what I can deliver.’

Alongside the Olympics in July and August, he is also gunning to break the 49sec. barrier and to defend his British title at the Trials, which he said would be an ‘absolute dream’.

Chalmers knows that the next two months will be a big time in his life.

‘I want to stay healthy and fit, and happy of course, so I’ve just got to go and do what I do and hopefully I drop some really good times,’ he said.

‘I’m never going to go into any races underestimating anyone, so wherever I run and whoever it’s against, I’m always going to be nervous.

‘It’s going to be a tough period but I really, really want to do my best, so we’ll see what happens.’