Last updated at 14:59, Monday, 25 June 2012

ASPIRING steeplechaser Peter Huck insists he has learned the lessons of his appearance in the spotlight at the Aviva 2012 Trials.

The Barrow and Furness Striders athlete, who turns 22 next month, failed to repeat the form which saw him storm to a personal best in Watford last month.

While Olympic selection was the focus for many in Birmingham at the weekend, Huck knows he is only starting to learn the ropes of one of the most demanding track disciplines.

He claimed a top-10 finish in the final on Saturday, clocking 9:02.60, but insisted he could have done better.

“Everyone was still together with three laps to go and I didn’t have the pace to kick when everyone else did,” said the former Ulverston Victoria High School pupil.

“I came here for a time because I’m obviously not going to the Olympics – I haven’t got anywhere near the selection standard. I was looking for a PB by getting in a fast race, it just didn’t happen for me. It was a good experience, just a bad race, but what can you do except swallow it and try and do better next time?”

But Huck, who won bronze at the British University Championships staged at the Olympic Stadium, insisted the experience of racing in front of a near capacity crowd at the Alexander Stadium was still invaluable.

“It makes a big difference having a big crowd to cheer you on, the support was great and I can only imagine what it will be like for our British athletes at the Olympics,” added Huck.

“It’s also nice to race against the big guys and it’s great to get everyone in the country together.

“The primary aim for my season was to get here and I achieved that. It was great, it’s just a shame I didn’t run a little better.”

Huck won’t race again over barriers this season but aims to improve his track speed – and enjoy watching the Olympics on television.

“I’m going to chase lap times now. It’s a bit of a downer to finish my steeplechase season but you can’t run quick all the time,” he added.

“I’m just looking forward and focusing on improving for next year.”

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First published at 13:27, Monday, 25 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk