Tomlinson eyes British record ahead of Commonwealth Games

LONG jumper Chris Tomlinson has set his sights on regaining the British record - and is determined to get the job done before October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

DELHI BOUND: Chris Tomlinson has been named in England's 100-strong athletics squad for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi next month (Getty Images)

The 28-year-old took bronze at the European Championships in Barcelona last month and at the Diamond League meeting at Crystal Palace - Great Britain's home-coming meet - ten days ago.

His 8.23m effort in Barcelona was his first major outdoor medal and represented a significant breakthrough, even if he did win silver at the 2008 World Indoor Championships.

And while Tomlinson's British record of 8.29m was broken by British rival Greg Rutherford at the 2009 Berlin World Championships, he feels his new found confidence can launch him to new heights.

He said: "I'm looking at some specific goals, first to get a PB as soon as possible. I also want to break the British record of 8.30m.

"I want to go from there and then get a medal at the Commonwealths in Delhi.

 "For me the Commonwealths is are about getting another medal, something I'm definitely confident I can do."

The Newham and Essex Beagle has had his fair share of injury problems but is ready to take the next step in his career having finally reached a major outdoor podium in Barcelona.

He added: "It was great to get my first major medal but I don't think there was anything that I did differently.

"Possibly I was a bit more confident and had a bit more self belief when I was jumping in Barcelona.

"Part of me perhaps thought I've been to a lot of these big championships now and I've done well by getting into finals and jumping consistently but now it's time to step it up.

"More than anything else this medal shows I can jump far when it counts and that is crucial."

Arvind Nair and Constantinos Roussis