Meet East Kent Invicta AC runner and former Canterbury-based King's School student Matt Stonier who has been selected to run for Team England at the Commonwealth Games

Whatever happens throughout Matt Stonier’s fledgling career, this year is likely to always remain the most memorable of all.

Stonier, who turns 21 in September, is preparing for the summer of a lifetime.

The Invicta East Kent AC 1,500m runner has come from relative obscurity to be named in Team England’s athletics squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

“Since I have been at uni, I have kind of kicked on again,” admitted the Loughborough University student who moved to the area from Sturry, near Canterbury.

“I think that’s quite common. The level I have managed to kick on to is, maybe, somewhat of a surprise - but I knew it was there!

“It’s been very cool but it’s been nice to progress over the winter. Then everything has started going well since and I am going to Games like this. Hopefully it continues.

“Whatever happens, this will probably be my most memorable season.”

He has been named in England’s squad alongside Dartford’s Adam Gemili, fellow sprinter Dina Asher-Smith of Blackheath & Bromley, Sevenoaks-born race walker Tom Bosworth and Tonbridge AC's Harry Kendall.

He added: “I don’t like putting too much [pressure] on myself, it will probably come from outside noises. I still feel like there’s not too much pressure on me.

“But if pressure is on me, it’s because people expect certain things from me which is good because, about four or five weeks ago, those things would not have been expected from me.

“There is pressure but you kind of have to accept that, there’s less pressure on me than is put on some.”

It’s been a rapid rise for the former King’s School student.

“I have had no serious injuries for a while now," said Stonier.

“I’m just training in a comfortable set-up with good people around me and getting