Christian Malcolm aiming to pack a punch at Glasgow Games (From South Wales Argus)

Christian Malcolm aiming to pack a punch at Glasgow Games

10:30am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Sport By Andrew Penman

NEWPORT’S veteran sprint star Christian Malcolm admits he considered retiring after his London 2012 disappointment but now he’s vowing to win a medal for Wales at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The 33-year-old missed out on the 200m final in his fourth Olympics and spent the winter thinking over his future, but now he’s determined to cap off his career at Glasgow 2014.

“I’m carrying on until the Commonwealth Games, that’s my main aim now,” said Malcolm. “We’ve got the World Championships in Moscow this year as well, but the chance to represent Wales in Glasgow next year is what is keeping me going.

“To go to five Common-wealth Games would be amazing and I’m looking to go there and medal.

“It was a hard decision to carry on,” he added. “Not making a major final last year made me question myself.

“I had long talks with my old coaches, my new coach Rana Reider and my family and they all believe in me.

“When I have setbacks I often look at the negative rather than the positive but I know I’ve looked after myself over the years and I’ve still got a few miles left on the clock.

“I’ve still got it in me to make finals and win medals in relay teams at world or Olympic level.

“You have to be in it to win it and you’re a long time retired.”

Malcolm was speaking after a recent coaching session with Ultimate Fighting Championship star Che Mills.

“There’s no substitute for speed in any sport and if I can help give someone that extra one per cent it can make a big difference,” he explained. “I helped Che out with a bit of speed work and he put me through my paces on the pads. I know which one I prefer!”

Mills, whose next bout is at UFC London at Wembley Arena this Saturday, said: “It was good fun to learn from someone of Christian’s experience. Hopefully he’s given me that extra bit of speed to get the fight finished quickly.”

For more details on UFC London visit UFC.com