Brilliant bronze for Perth's Ben Greenwood at UK Athletics Indoor Championships

Fair City track ace Ben Greenwood proved that an exciting year is ahead after a terrific performance at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships.

Competing in Birmingham and among a high-class field, the former Perth Academy student impressively recorded a third-place finish in the 800m.

The Perth Strathtay Harrier, coached by Carol Sharp, posted a time of 1:49.13 at the Utilita Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

He finished behind British record-holder Elliot Giles (1:47.99) and Guy Learmonth (1:48.58).

“I’m really happy with that and I executed the race how I wanted to,” Greenwood said.

“I knew that Guy [Learmonth] and Elliot [Giles] were a bit quicker and I’d need to beat them, especially on that last lap.

“The start list for the final was strong and second was possible if someone had a bad day but realistically third was the goal.”

Greenwood, who spent time earlier this year at a training camp in South Africa, can now look ahead with great confidence.

He added: “Middle distance racing in the UK right now is busy.

“When the standard is so good then it pushes you and I train on my own so you want to go as high in each session.

“I want to get the Commonwealth qualifying standard as early as possible and that’s the aim for the outdoor season.”