Asha Philip insists she now has the confidence to go hunting for a medal at the European Indoor Championships after writing her name into the record books at the UK trials.
Sprinter Philip has endured a rollercoaster career to date, starting off in style by becoming the first British woman to achieve a global 100m title having won gold at the 2007 World Youth Championships aged 16.
But the Londoner missed out on the Beijing Olympics after rupturing her cruciate ligament in her right knee competing for Great Britain at the double-mini Trampoline World Championships in Quebec, Canada.
Philip also missed out on London 2012 as she continued her comeback from injury but announced herself back to full fitness in style at the British Athletics European Trials & UK Championships as she won the 60m in 7.15 seconds – the third-fastest British time ever.
The 22-year-old now has the European Indoor Championships in Gothenburg to look forward to next month and after the events in Sheffield Philip admits her confidence is sky high.
“The trials gives me great confidence heading into Gothenburg and I will try and aim for a medal now,” said Philip.
“I was really happy with my start. I felt tired because of the short period you have between the semi-final and the final.
“It is all me going out there and trying to do my best and this was a perfect example of me trying to execute in three rounds consistently and make sure each round is getting better and better.
“I’m hoping the Europeans will be exactly the same and hopefully I can get another personal best – I feel I can definitely run faster.”
But while Philip insists she is physically fit, she admits her injury nightmares will always be in the back of her mind.
She added: “It feels so much better but you always have that doubt in the back of your mind – is it going to happen again?
“The biggest thing for me is to keep working hard in the gym and keep pushing to get better.
“It has taken me six years to get where I am with the injuries I have had. I have had bad luck. My hamstring went twice, last year and the year before.
“I’ve got a new programme now which includes more gym work and I am hoping to keep on top of everything.”
© Sportsbeat 2013