'I want to get to that final': Guernsey's Alastair Chalmers aims high ahead of Olympic semi

Alastair Chalmers will run in the third Olympic semi-final of the 400-metre hurdles at around 6:50pm on Wednesday 7 August. Credit: PA Images

Guernsey's Alastair Chalmers says he is gunning for an Olympic final spot as he prepares to race in the semis of the men's 400-metre hurdles.

It follows a dramatic qualifying heat on Monday (5 August) when the 24-year-old dived over the line to clinch third place.

Going into his first Games, Chalmers' main goal was to reach the semi-finals but he now wants to achieve a personal best time and go a step further.

The Team GB athlete says: "I'm definitely going to be on that start line wanting to make the final and I'm going to have to really attack it harder than I ever have."

Chalmers concedes that the USA's Rai Benjamin will likely come first in his semi-final heat with the American having secured a silver medal in the event at the last Olympics in Tokyo.

However, the Guernsey athlete says he has raced the other competitors in his heat, adding there is "no reason why I can't contend for that other position".

He explains: "I've just got to run my race as hard as I can and hopefully try and claw my way to an Olympic final which would be an absolute dream come true.

"I'm in a really good position to move forward and do the best I can."

"Walking out onto that track and just seeing the sea of flags and people was absolutely amazing." - Alastair Chalmers Credit: PA Images

Chalmers managed to secure a qualifying place for the semis by 0.02 seconds, throwing himself over the finish line in front of 80,000 fans.

Despite it being the biggest crowd the hurdler has ever performed in front of, he says seeing Guernsey flags in the stands was "quite breathtaking".

He adds: "As I walked out down the home straight, I saw a guy with a Guernsey flag straight away and I really wanted to give him something but I had to stay in my zone and lock in because if you make one mistake, you're out.

"It came down to a photo finish so I really had to give everything and throw everything out on the track and leave all out there. I've demonstrated that I deserve to be here and I'm a world-class athlete."

Chalmers will race in the third semi-final of the 400-metre hurdles at around 6:50pm on Wednesday 7 August.

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