High jump title 'means the world' to Clarke-Khan
Joel Clarke-Khan competed for Great Britain at the 2022 World Athletics Championships
- Published
Worcester high jumper Joel Clarke-Khan says being crowned UK champion "means the world" after an injury-plagued 18 months.
The 26-year-old cleared 2.19m to win the men's high jump on countback from Regan Corrin at the Indoor Championships in Birmingham on Sunday.
A series of toe injuries and disappointment at failing to make the 2024 Olympics, blighted his progress since winning three outdoor British titles between 2020 and 2023.
However, Clarke-Khan believes he is now nearing a return to top form.
"It has been a rough few years and this is the first time in a while that I actually feel like we're getting back to where I've been before, and for me that was just the most important thing right now," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"To cement that feeling with a British championship win means the world to me.
"It's been tough with my fifth metatarsal, I broke it three times in a row, and the last time was so bad we needed to put a screw in it.
"That was only in August, so I really didn't expect to be here so soon and jumping better than I have in a while as well."
Joel Clarke-Khan has a personal best of 2.27m
He believes a reunion with Worcester Athletic Club coach Deirdre Elmhirst, following a spell working with Olympic silver medallist Robbie Grabarz, is also paying off.
"I think we've just clicked," he added. "Everything we knew about each other before, the chemistry, it's just working so well.
"We're both just in the upward together and it's a really nice feeling.
"We did have goals of about 2.25 Commonwealth (Games) standard, but as soon as I got out there, I knew all I wanted to do was win. As soon as the job was done, I was absolutely happy with that."
Clarke-Khan, who is engaged to Great Britain pole vaulter Molly Caudery, now has his sights set on selection for to this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
A return to competition in Birmingham at the European Championships in August is another goal, but the rejuvenated athlete knows he will have to jump higher still to earn the right.
"I know there's a lad out in America who represents the UK and looks great as well, so it's not going to be an easy job, but I'm just going to keep working and doing the best I can," he said.
"The start of the season has been fantastic and if we can just keep building then hopefully I'll be in the position to gain selection for those championships."
