Guernsey athletics stars back training on island after 14 days self-isolation
Guernsey athletics stars Cameron and Alastair Chalmers have told ITV News the opportunity to train and race at home this summer could give them a big advantage when international competition resumes.
The brothers, who are both based in Bath, have just completed the mandatory 14 days self-isolation after returning to the island from the UK.
With no new confirmed cases of Covid-19 locally for more than a month, and the Bailiwick in phase four of its exit from lockdown strategy, the pair will be able to train as normal and can look forward to appearing in local meets, which will begin this week.
"I think it's a huge advantage because I think it will all be happening over here before it will in the UK and the rest of Europe", said Cameron, 23.
"You're staying in touch with that race pace sort of intensity and keeping your body adapted to that kind of workload and I think if people don't get that opportunity this year it's going to be a big shock to the system next year, especially with an early Olympics".
"Big performances come off the back of cumulative good years if you really want to have a great year, so I think it's a big advantage that we need to try to take advantage of", he said.
Cameron Chalmers, a 400m specialist, had been targeting an Olympic berth for Tokyo, while 400m hurdler Alastair was hoping to further establish his international credentials this summer.
"We've just got to crack on, ease our way back into it after the two weeks out, but I feel pretty ready to go to be honest and in the shape of my life", said Alastair, 20.
"I definitely want to take this time to really train hard and - with Cam here too - if we do race, we can both push ourselves".
"We've got to take this as a big advantage for ourselves, we've got amazing facilities here and we're lucky enough to be in phase four now", the Commonwealth Youth champion added.
Guernsey Athletics has announced it will put on a streamlined competition this Sunday, the first anywhere in the British Isles this summer and the first since the track at the island's Footes Lane stadium was relaid.
Cameron and Alastair are expected to make their local competitive return later this month, with that season-opening event limited to short sprints and throws.
Alastair was the top-ranked U23 in the UK last year, while Cameron - the reigning British champion indoors - ranked fourth nationally outdoors in 2019.
WATCH: Tony Curr's full interview with Cameron and Alastair Chalmers...