Chalmers bros ready to take on Europe elite
WINDY conditions prevented Guernsey’s young 4x400m quartet from hitting their full potential at the Loughborough International.
That is the view of Cam Chalmers, who joined younger brother Alastair, Peter Curtis and Sam Wallbridge to miss the mark narrowly in what may be their only shot at a Commonwealth Games ‘A’ standard this year.
Their 3min. 13.50sec. was, nevertheless, Guernsey’s second fastest ever.
It is certainly no stretch to believe they would have beaten the long-standing Guernsey record – 3-12.38 – or Commonwealths mark of 3-12-00 on a stiller afternoon.
All considered, Chalmers called it a ‘great weekend’ after also winning the individual 400m in 46.38.
‘The weather and the conditions were terrible,’ he said. ‘The wind was right in your face up the back straight and round the top bend, so it was far from ideal for good 400m times.
‘But good to get the win individually, and I had a lot of fun doing the relay with the guys.
‘It’s a rare opportunity we get to do that as a team from Guernsey, so I did really enjoy it. Obviously a shame to miss the standard.’
For the elder Chalmers brother, it was more valuable experience before next month’s all-important Olympic trials.
He was due to race at the Manchester Invitational today, but has withdrawn to focus on this weekend’s endeavours.
He now joins Ala at the European Team Championships Super League, hosted by reigning champions Poland at their prestigious Silesian Stadium.
Cam contests both the relays and individual 400m and aims to ‘just go and do my best’.
‘It’s just one competition closer to the Olympic trials at the end of June,’ he said.
‘It’s just trying to use that to prepare myself the best I can.’
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Ala makes his senior GB debut over 400m hurdles.
He is understandably rather excited about that prospect.
‘I’m just raring to go and I’m excited to get out there,’ he said.
‘On an Olympic year as well, it just sets up the season so well and I get to run against some of the best in Europe on a great track, in a great facility.
‘I’m just going to take the opportunity and run the best I can and really embrace it all, so it’s going to be very valuable.
‘I’m excited to run against the best and hopefully drop a really good time.’
