Alastair Chalmers targets World 400m hurdles final after new PB

Alastair Chalmers says he is targeting the 400m hurdles final at the World Championships in Tokyo after running a personal best.

Guernsey’s reigning British champion, 25, clocked 48.30 secs in Germany on Sunday, breaking his previous best by 0.24 seconds.

The time means he is the fifth-fastest Briton of all time over 400m hurdles.

Chalmers narrowly missed out on the finals at the European Championships last summer before falling in the semi-finals at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Should Chalmers finish in the top two at the forthcoming British Championships, he will be guaranteed a place in Tokyo, having achieved the qualifying standard.

“So much can happen between now and then, I’ve just got to stay healthy,” he told BBC Radio Guernsey.

“I think on the day in Tokyo if I can execute a really good race and I’m healthy and in good shape then there is a good chance I could make that final.

“It’s going to be hard, but that’s the whole point of competition, you’ve got to turn up on the day and give if your all and not mess up.”

Chalmers has won the last five British titles and is in the form of his life, having improved his best time year on year.

“Running the fastest time of your life is always a lovely feeling,” he added.

“When I crossed the line I was just very happy that I’d run that world qualifier, personal best, I think it was a meet record as well.

“I’m just in a great place physically and mentally and it just allows me to go out and run quick on the track against some really high quality athletes.”

The World Championships in Japan will take place from 13-21 September.