Athletics: Westbury takes Welsh indoor title

FAST-DEVELOPING Derby AC middle distance runner Dave Westbury smashed his 3000 metres personal best – and the championship record – to become Welsh Indoor Champion in Cardiff.

In only his second-ever indoor race, 20-year-old Westbury trounced an experienced field to win in eight minutes, 17.84 seconds, a remarkable effort set against his previous PB of 8.56.00 and inside the 40-year-old championship best of 8.18.60.

"Dave likes to lead races but we persuaded him to hold back and go for it later in the race," said his coach, Pete Ivens.

"It's not easy becoming a national champion, even for a small country like Wales, and to do it in his first year as a senior is fantastic.

"Most of the other runners are based in the US and have been training in perfect conditions, whereas Dave has come straight out of cross country here, so it's a real standout performance by him."