Chalmers focusing on his only home Games
CAM CHALMERS has dropped the upcoming UK Athletics Championships due to a direct clash with his home Island Games campaign.
After overcoming a turbulent period of injury and illness to treat Footes Lane spectators to a 400m season’s best of 46.76sec. on Sunday, the 26-year-old confirmed that he has his sights on a second Olympic outing next summer.
But his final against the UK’s best at Manchester Regional Arena – where World Championships places will be contested – is set for Sunday 9 July, the same afternoon as his 400m heat at the Games.
Faced with what appears a difficult dilemma, Chalmers has made the potentially once-in-a-lifetime home Games his main focus for the short term.
‘Given the struggle I’ve had the last 18 months and the shape I’ve been in at the start of this season, it seems right to focus on the Games,’ he said.
‘[I want to] try and really build my form, use this summer to enjoy the Games – make the most of a home Games that I’ve always wanted to do – with an eye on building towards next year for the Olympics.
‘I don’t see myself being good enough this summer to be competitive at the top, top level. I think this is the right decision for me this year.’
Guernsey’s leading quarter-miler needs only another small improvement to beat the existing Games record of 46.33.
However, for all his exposure to high-level athletics, simply competing at a home Games will be a new – and exciting – experience for him.
‘I’ve said to everyone that I don’t know what to expect,’ he added.
‘I’m sure it will be by far the best crowd I get down here at Footes Lane.
‘It’s my favourite track, and I’m really excited to see what it holds because I’ve always wanted to do it from day one of starting the sport and I’m very lucky to have it in my lifetime as an athlete.
‘So yeah, I can’t wait, and hopefully I get there in one piece and feel good.’
Abi Galpin also put injury behind her in Sunday’s track and field meet as she lowered her own Guernsey 100m record to 11.77.
