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400m star drops Jackson

19/07/2007

Welsh 400-metre star Tim Benjamin has parted company with coach Colin Jackson after just nine months.

The 24-year old, who joined up with the former high hurdling World and Olympic medallist last September, said he had taken the decision to leave Jackson's training camp in Cardiff to concentrate on his preparations for next year's Olympics in Beijing.

"I believe this is the right decision for me with Beijing just around the corner," he said.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Colin for all he has done for me."

Benjamin, who came to prominence in 2005 as the fourth-ranked 400-metre runner in the world, was praised in his attempt to make progress by joining up with Jackson.

"It is important for our senior athletes to try new things as part of their training and long-term development," said UK Athletics performance director Dave Collins.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Jackson suggested that his former prospect might not have been altogether comfortable with his training methods, but said that Benjamin had the talent to perform at the highest level.

"I think my approach was all very new and very different for Tim," he said.

"I have a certain regime and he had not worked in that way before."

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