LISTEN: Chalmers has heart set on Island Games gold next summer
Alastair Chalmers has confirmed his intention to compete and win in front of a home crowd at the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games.
Fresh from securing the island’s first Commonwealth Games track and field medal, the 22-year-old told the Guernsey Press Sport Podcast how much striking gold at Footes Lane would mean to him.
‘I’ve always said Guernsey Island Games, I need the gold medal from that,’ he said.
‘That would be so special to me. Again, I’ve been born and raised here, so it’s kind of like a need thing in my life and I’d love to have that.’
Listen to a full interview with Ala Chalmers on the latest Guernsey Press Sport Podcast:
He went a step further in saying: ‘I don’t think I could forgive myself if I missed it.’
Chalmers would undoubtedly be a huge crowd-puller and if he performs anywhere near his potential, he would shatter the 400m hurdles Games record of 50.41sec., set by the Isle of Wight’s James Forman at his own home event in 2011.
Although next year Chalmers will be keeping his gaze on the all-important British and World Championships, the Island Games have long held a special place in his heart.
He was in his early teens when he made his Games bow at Jersey 2015 and shared gold in the 4x100m relay. Individually, he has progressed massively since Jersey, where he placed fourth in the 400m hurdles and eighth over 100m.
‘It’s a big event, really, and it really transitioned me well into the world of athletics,’ he said.
‘It’s all the kit and all the staying in a nice group environment. It really gives a lot of younger athletes a lot of experience and knowledge for what it could be in the future, so it did me very well.’
