SPRINTER Kyle Powell is targeting qualification for the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon.
The 17-year-old former Cranford Community College pupil believes he is capable of reaching this year’s showpiece event which takes place at the end of July having already achieved the qualifying time in the 200m.
Powell, who also competes in 100m and 400m, admits competition for selection is difficult but he is determined to impress the Great Britain selectors. He was speaking after being named on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme for a second successive year, a programme from which he receives a cash injection of £1,000 towards training and competing.
"In my athletics career I have been selected to represent Great Britain five times at senior level, which is a great honour," he said. "I am currently in a transition from junior to senior level and I don’t think I am at the top of my game yet but I’m pretty sure with the right training I can get where I need to be as long as I stay focused. My next aim is hopefully to qualify for the World Championships in Lyon and that would be really good if I do.
"For Lyon the qualifying times are the same as they are for the Paralympics and I have previously got the 200m time so I am hoping I can go faster and impress the selectors more so maybe I can be selected. If it is not my time though, it is not my time - you have to be patient."
Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, has supported 1,000 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes. As part of Lloyds TSB’s commitment to helping future sports stars prosper, the programme will continue in 2013. Follow future stars at www.facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes
