Max Burgin storms home to win 800m men’s final at UK Championships

Max Burgin has borne the burden of being compared to a young Sebastian Coe or Steve Cram ever since he shattered the under-15 world 800 metres record four years ago. But those lofty comparisons did not look misplaced as he led from gun to tape to destroy a high-class field to win his first national title.

The 20-year-old has worked on his strength and conditioning over the winter after missing last year’s Olympics through injury, and it showed as he ran the finish out of Daniel Rowden and Elliot Giles to win in 1:44.54. It was a heck of a performance, especially in such blustery conditions, but it took so much out of him he was sick by the medal podium.

“I knew that was coming,” he said. “That’s just me after every race. I put that much into it that I’m in a bit of a hole afterwards. That was quite a good day for me – it was only 10-15 minutes. I’ve been up to half an hour before I can start walking round again. I’m getting better, hopefully.

“Obviously it is a bit disruptive and I do feel sorry for the organisers having to reshuffle everything like the medal ceremony. Hopefully I’ve got a bit of leeway when I produce good performances.”

He added: “The wind did throw into doubt whether front-running was the best idea but I stuck with the plan. I thought I could handle the wind and it paid off.”

It means that Burgin, who is the fastest man over 800m in the world this year, has now booked his place at the world championships in Eugene in three weeks’ time. And he travels there with a realistic shot at glory.

“I have no idea how I will handle a three-round championship before I go there and do it,” he said. “I’ve got no experience. The last time I did three rounds was four years ago in the European U18s. I’ll go in with