Athletics: Benjamin targets best form

Aug 9 2007 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

WELSH track star Tim Benjamin aims to be back to his best at the world championships in Osaka later this month.

The 400m specialist has been handed an individual spot in Japan after claiming a season-best of 45.28 seconds at Crystal Palace on Friday night.

Having finished inside the “A” standard qualifying time, Benjamin, 25, said, “I’m very happy to be selected as I want to try to get back to my best there.”

Benjamin has had a difficult few months what with injuries and splitting with coach Colin Jackson, and after his Palace exertions decided to withdrew from the DN Galan Meet in Stockholm on Tuesday night.

Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner won the Stockholm 400m in 43.50 – the year’s fastest time.

Benjamin’s agent Ricky Sims said, “After securing qualification he thought that getting back into training would be better for his Osaka preparations.”

European Under-23 champion David Greene is also Osaka-bound having been added to the Norwich Union Great Britain & Northern Ireland team.

The Llanelli 21-year-old, who has been suffering with a tendon injury, is a travelling reserve for the 400m hurdles and is also in the 4x400m alongside Benjamin.

“I’m disappointed not to get an individual spot, but it’s great to be taken as a reserve and to get a place in the relay squad,” he said.

“Although I’ve had a few injury setbacks, I expect to be in good condition in Osaka.”

Christian Malcolm is also on relay duty in the 4x100m, but both the Newport sprinter and Greene will be monitored closely at the UK Athletics holding camp in Macau, China, which takes place from August 10-22 through to Osaka.