Middle-distance Tonbridge AC runner James West from Thanet prepares to compete at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey

A runner who has worked with a former coach of double Olympic gold medallist Sebastian Coe is preparing to compete at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Turkey.

Ramsgate’s James West, a member of Tonbridge AC, recently won at the British Indoor Athletics Championship in the 3,000m to earn qualification.

His roots are in Kent but he studied at Loughborough University and at the University of Oregon in the United States.

George Gandy - who died aged 80 in 2020 after a heart attack - is among his former mentors on the track. In 1979, Gandy helped Coe to three world records in 41 days in the 800m, 1,500m and the mile.

And West, who took up running aged 13, accepts the quality of coaching he has received has been a big part of his progress ahead of the European event in Istanbul.

“That’s a big part of it, for sure,” said West, who now works with lead coach Ben Thomas, as well as Tonbridge AC coach Mark Hookway.

“I have had good guidance from 16 and it was the same in Oregon.

“The plan was always to go to Loughborough and then Oregon if I was good enough.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities and the people that have helped me along the way.”

While the 27-year-old lives in Ramsgate, he soon hopes to sign a contract with a team which will allow him to move up north.

He explained: “I’m down in Ramsgate, I live with my parents.

“I think I will be signing a contract soon and then it’s likely I’ll move to Manchester. I don’t want to say who with yet!

“But hopefully, I will have a bit more of a professional set-up in Manchester.

“Even if I move up to Manchester, I will still be competing for Tonbridge AC.

“Moving to Ramsgate has meant it’s a bit of a trek to Tonbridge but I try to show my face.

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