100m king Gilford eager for more

As Darren Gilford boarded the plane to Andorra yesterday for the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe, he'll draw confidence from the knowledge that it has been a tremendously successful month, even by his own high standards.

In recent years Gilford has been the undisputed leading athlete in the 100m.

Further confirmation of that status - if any was necessary - came at the 2005 National Championships when he set a new national record of 10.54 seconds.

"I knew that I was capable of getting the record and, since the weather conditions were ideal, I told myself that I could do it," he said.

"However, I think that I can do better. Given the right conditions I believe that 10.4 is within my capabilities."

Gilford's record in the 100m was just one of a number of highlights of the national championships which saw a host of new national bests.

Spurred by the incentive of making it into the squad for Andorra - as well as the knowledge that this would be the last available opportunity for them to do so - the men's 4 x 100m team finally got it right after a series of disappointing showings.

Inevitably Gilford was also involved in this success.

"Breaking a national record always feels great. We've been training very hard with Leandros Calleja, so much that I've had to cut back on my normal training to keep up. I don't think that we've ever trained as regularly in the relay as we did this year."

The recent visit by top British coach Mike McFarlane also helped.

"I think that everyone learnt from his visit. Unfortunately, he didn't stay for very long. I'm certain that if he could come back and stay a little longer every athlete would benefit."

Yet, although the sprint record was enough to guarantee the team's participation at the GSSE, Gilford isn't entirely satisfied.

"During the championships the changeovers went very well especially the one between Mario Bonello and myself. Still I feel that we can do better. In fact, I think that we can do much better."

It all augurs well for Andorra although Gilford doesn't let on regarding his hopes.

"If I get a new personal best I'll be happy. But I'm not really thinking about that at the moment.

"I want to stay calm as much as possible and try not to let the pressure get to me."

So much so that he admits that as yet he doesn't know the level of athletes he'll be facing.

"I'll think about that when I get there."

Nor will he be too bothered by the local mentality that dictates that medals are the true measure of success.

"I'd much rather finish last and set a time of 10.20 than win with a much slower time," he reckoned.

Few, if anyone, with more than a cursory interest in athletics would disagree.

Whether the same can be said of those who follow the progress of Maltese athletes simply when such events come along is much more doubtful.

Hopefully, Gilford will be able to keep both camps happy with a new national record that results in a podium finish.