Sharman is targeting a medal at the 2012 Olympics

Hurdler William Sharman says he is only just coming to terms with his success at the World Championships in Berlin.

Sharman finished fourth in the 110m hurdlers and his personal best time of 13.30 seconds made him the fifth- fastest Briton of all time.

Sharman told BBC Radio Northampton: "Some weeks later, it's dawning on me how significant that moment was.

"Now that finally my season is over, I've got a bit more time to relax and contemplate how good it was."

The 25-year-old had not even been selected in the Great Britain squad for the championships but was a late call-up after making the "A" qualification standard at Loughborough.

He was the fifth-fastest qualifier in the heats and went on to win his semi-final.

I'm now able to get into much more prestigious competitions William Sharman

Sharman was ranked 103rd in the world before the event.

"Since then, it's been very busy. Every time I come home, I've only got a day or two at most before I pack my bags and go off to another competition," he said. "I'm now able to get into much more prestigious competitions.

"I'm still very focused and I realise what's got me there in the first place. I want to carry on pushing."

Sharman's coach, John Anderson, said: "It's a phenomenal success story. His hurdling was immaculate, it was flawless. He's worked very hard to get this, and he's done us all proud," Anderson said.

Sharman started his career as a junior high jumper and decathlete. But he is also a classically trained pianist and holds two university degrees.

"I used to swim, and I almost made it into the county cricket side at under -15 level. So I tried my hand at a lot of things," he said.

"But the two things that have always been the strongest were music and athletics.

"And I always kept my academic abilities up there as well. You never know what tomorrow holds."

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