Danny Talbot’s Olympic season was finally due to get underway last night (Thursday).

The Trowbridge Tornado has shaken off the hip/lower back problem that has troubled him since racing in the 100m at the British Students’ Championships over a month ago and was scheduled to race over 200m in Slovenia.

With the Olympic trials now a week away he is leaving it late to sharpen up his act, but Talbot and coach Dan Cossins, who lives in Corsham, are not overly concerned with the late start.

Indeed, Cossins firmly believes that it may be a big advantage as the season hots up.

“Obviously it has been a difficult time for me and ideally it is not the sort of thing you wanted to happen in Olympic year,” said Talbot.

“But I feel very positive as my training has been going really well. To be honest it may well work out better for me as I will be coming to the trials fresher than the others.”

Talbot’s upbeat attitude was bolstered by a strong session on the track at Bath University at the weekend.

“Last Sunday was the first time I have sprinted flat out in training and I did some flying 30 metres to measure my top speed and I was quicker than I have ever been,” added Talbot, who was also was planning to contest the 100m at the start of last night’s meeting.

“I feel I’m in very good shape and that was definitely a big boost to my confidence.”