OLYMPIAN Danny Talbot was today still coming to terms with the fact that he has been invited to take part in the biggest sporting spectacle ever staged in Great Britain.
In a tumultuous few days the 21-year-old Trowbridge Tornado not only won his first senior medal in the 200m at the European Championships in Helsinki and was then named in the eight-strong 4x100m sprint relay squad for the Olympic Games in London.
“When I think about going to collect my kit for the Olympics it still doesn’t feel real, it is just crazy,” said a delighted Talbot.
“It is amazing to be in the team. Ever since it was announced in 2005 that London had won the Olympics it was every athlete’s dream to be able to take part in a home Games and I feel very proud and honoured to be taking part.”
Talbot’s success in making the rostrum in Helskini with third place in the 200m clinched his place in the squad after only coming fourth in the Olympic trials last month.
“After the 200m in Helsinki Charles (van Commenee, the UK Athletics Head Coach) spoke to me and I got the impression I could be in the relay squad,” added the former St Augustine School student.
“As regards a place in the individual 200m I thought it was 50-50 as I had only run the A qualifying standard once last year.
“I was a bit worried when I didn’t hear anything on Monday but then I got the call on Tuesday morning to say I had been picked for the sprint relay squad. I still can’t believe it.”
Talbot now faces a busy month of collecting Olympic kit, administration and PR duties and an intensive training camp with the relay squad in Portugal.
He is also hoping to get a lane in the 100m in the prestigious Aviva London Grand Prix on July 13-14 or alternatively a 200m race in Switzerland.
“I think I am probably in better shape at the moment to run a quick 100m than 200m and it would be good to run a personal best and give the relay selectors something to think about,” said Talbot.
Kevin Fahey
MORE REACTION FROM TALBOT IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES, PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM WILTSHIRE'S OLYMPIANS AT OUR SPECIAL OLYMPIC SECTIONS AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK AND GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK
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