Things are looking up for the Olympic 1500m runner who is returning from surgery

Ross Murray is hoping to recapture the form that secured him a place at the London 2012 Olympics ahead of this summer season, writes Charlie Gibson.

Having his plantaris tendon around the ankle removed, Murray missed the whole of last season and returned to training in November. Despite having run only one race during the indoor season – a 3000m at the British Athletics Championships – the 23-year-old is not worried about lack of track action and now sees a much more positive future for him in the sport.

Murray explained: I did the 3km indoors for my own mental sanity. I needed to race it had been so long and I love racing.

I feel stronger this time. Not just physically, but I am mentally more mature now. I don’t go out partying anymore and I life a very professional lifestyle. I’d like to think this is only going to help me be a better athlete. I am excited about this season. I try not to get nervous. As long as I go out and give 100%, you can’t do much more than that.

If it goes well then, great; if not then it wasn’t meant to be. Don’t cry about it pick yourself up and try again. Quitting never crossed my mind this time.”

Still based at St Mary s University with coach Craig Winrow and training alongside James Brewer and Andrew Osagie, the Olympian is aiming to be back with his fellow runners representing his country at major competitions again.

I d really like to get close to my PBs but most of all have some fun,” he said. At the moment I’m not massively track-sharp. I’d say I’m strong aerobically and over the longer distances. Hopefully when I hit the track work it will all go smoothly and I will be running well at the right times. Aims for this season are to get back making teams, the Commonwealth Games and Europeans Championships.”

With such passion for the sport, the Gateshead athlete is keen to see athletics develop as a whole after the development of the Diamond League. Murray though believes more can be done.

The whole experience of an athletics meet needs to change in my opinion. You look at things like the X Games. The sports there aren’t anymore exciting than athletics, but it’s the way they are put on. I think encouraging spectators to have a few beers, live music outside the stadium, it would make the meet more appealing to younger people.

I also think the Diamond League should try and team up with some big sponsors like in Formula 1. The big sponsors sign athletes for their teams and positions in the Diamond League count towards points. For example, the ‘Red Bull All Stars’ have signed Kim Collins in the 100m, Ross Murray in the 1500m or the ‘Virgin Galacticos’ have signed Adam Gemili for the 100m,” he said.

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