Race walker Tom Bosworth has revealed that he is determined to impress for Team GB at the World Championships in Beijing next month after breaking a national record in the British Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Sunday.
The 25-year-old eased his way to gold at the Alexander Stadium by finishing the men's 5000m race walk in 19:00.73.
Despite claiming a new national record, Bosworth, who pleased the crowd by celebrating his win with a few dance moves, has admitted that he hoped to dip under the 19-minute mark at the event.
You were so close to going under 19 minutes, is there any disappointment?
"Of course there is, but I think that makes a good athlete because you want to better yourself constantly, even though you've just got a 16-second personal best over 5km. It's just settling in right now. Breaking records and entertaining the crowds is what's going to get us there."
Talk us through that celebration.
"Yeah, I did it once because I was just that happy. People were saying on Twitter and social media 'oh, nice celebration' - the crowd seem to love it and hopefully I can make a name for myself."
How excited are you for the World Championships in Beijing?
"Oh, I can't wait. Before I had B standards and wasn't picked and I said that I wasn't going to let that happen again. I just want to go there and show what I can do, what the British can do. In the walking events, we've had no-one for 20 years or so."
What's the aim, what are you hoping for?
"I just want to go there and race really well. If it's warm conditions, I hope for fast time and top 20 - it's all about placings at Championships. A top 20 would be the perfect goal to edge towards the top 10 in Rio."
Liam Apicella
