IEUAN Thomas admits reaching three major athletics championships in succession is a “world away” from where he was four years ago.

Last weekend saw the Pontypool-born Cardiff AAC star seal his place in the British team for August’s European Championships.

Thomas claimed 3000m steeplechase silver behind Zak Seddon at the British Championships in Birmingham on Saturday.

Having achieved the Euros qualifying standard earlier this month, he knew going into the meeting that a top-two finish would guarantee him a trip to Germany later this summer.

And when he does take to the track at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Thomas will be one step away from completing a full set of major championship appearances.

Thomas used the pain of missing out on the 2014 Commonwealth Games to fuel his quest for international honours.

His hard work has paid off over the last 12 months with the 28-year-old getting to the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Reflecting on his run last weekend, the past year and those who have helped him get to where he is, he said: “It’s job done for me. This is the highest placing I’ve ever had a British senior championships, so that feels really good.

“Naturally, you come out to win a race, but if I was going to settle for anything I’ll settle for second, and a place on the team for Berlin feels really good.

“Three outdoor major championships in a row is a world away from where I was four years ago when I missed out on Glasgow.

“It’s just been an incredible few years and I’m really lucky to have the people around me that I’ve got.

“It’s a great group down in Cardiff with James Thie (coach), and the Welsh Athletics medical team have been amazing.

“If it wasn’t for those guys I really wouldn’t be in the position I am now, they’ve kept me in one piece.

“We’re always fighting to keep me in one piece, it’s just kind of where I’m at.

“To be naturally getting quicker as a lot of people are getting slower as they get older, I think I’m just proving you can do a little bit more as you get older, and you’ve got to keep persevering.”

He added: “Worlds, Commonwealths, Europeans – there’s only one left.”