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Do your best

I just love sport and I love being part of sport and doing my best. When I was young I remember trying to do the best that I could and the enjoyment factor. From my point of view, I used to look at the great sprinters, like Alan Wells, and I just thought 'If I could do anything like them, that would be great for me.' Fortunately I was able to do something reasonably close.

Believe in yourself

I believed that I could keep getting better and better and better. I always set myself targets, and my targets were personally to try and make every final, and when you made a final to try and get on the rostrum. Then it was to come first, second or third. They were my three goals. If I got on the rostrum, I'd had a good day at the office.

Be dedicated 24/7

The odd saying that we athletes have is 'If it was easy my mother would be doing it,' because you've got to train, but you've also got to think like a sportsman 24 hours a day.

It's not just the two hours that you train, it's also the time outside training when you're supposed to be relaxing. You're making sure that you're getting the right nutrition, physio, massage - everything that encapsulates being a quality athlete. It's not only about preparing physically and mentally, but everything else that comes into play as well.

Skills for life

Life is like an athletics event, the same skills apply - respect, belief, discipline, understanding your peers and situations. You also have good days and you have bad days. You have great performances and you have reasonable performances.