Malcolm admits unfulfilled career

Malcolm has appeared at two previous Olympics

Olympic sprinter Christian Malcolm concedes he has failed to realise his own potential.

The Newport star secured a sprint double at the 1998 Junior World Championships before winning silver at that year's Commonwealth Games.

But he has since failed to win a major championship medal in 10 years.

He admits: "I thought because I was the world number one teenager, give it three or four years and I'd be the world senior or Olympic champion."

Malcolm secured a hat-trick of 200m European Cup titles and won indoor medals but much to his frustration, the Welsh athlete has consistently missed out on the big ones.

"After my success at junior level, I thought when I got to the seniors it would be only a matter of time and progression that I'd win things," said the 29-year-old veteran of two Olympic Games.

Every week since I have thought of not being part of that golden Olympic relay team and thought what might have been for me Christian Malcolm

"But I haven't fulfilled my potential for various different reasons."

Malcolm's fifth placed finish at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney was a pleasant surprise but his 2004 Athens experience was not.

He was treated in hospital for a kidney problem just days before the Olympics began but recovered to finish seventh in the 200m semi-final.

"My Olympics experiences have certainly brought mixed emotions," the Linford Christie-trained star told BBC Sport.

"It was amazing to reach the final and just miss out on a medal in Sydney but Athens was a horrible shock and a missed opportunity for me.

"I was supposed to be part of the 4x100m relay team as well but my illness forced me to withdraw from that event - then the boys went on to win gold and I didn't.

"I was obviously elated for the guys because they're my mates but every week since I have thought of not being part of that and thought what might have been for me.

"But unfortunately I can't change history and that disappointment will spur me on to achieve my goal.

"I have been working extremely hard and am focused, hoping it will be third time lucky for me in Beijing."

Malcolm has endured various muscle problems in his legs since the last Games in Athens and admits: "A lot of people thought I had retired.

"But I have only just turned 29 and must keep positive.

"This has been my first injury-free season for some time and because I've missed so much competition, my rhythm is slowly getting there.

606: DEBATE What are Malcolm's medal chances in Beijing

"I still believe I have three years left in me and I must make up for all of those years I've missed through injury."

Malcolm secured Olympic qualification for one of Team GB's three 200m berths in Beijing - alongside Marlon Devonish and Alex Nelson - at the AAA Championships in Birmingham.

"It was the first time I've gone into the AAAs meeting needing to get the qualifying time," said Malcolm.

"That was pressure but I dealt with it and won. There's no pressure on me from other people in Beijing but, believe me, the pressure I put on myself is enough.

"The goals I set myself in athletics I haven't achieved yet - and my fire is still burning."

His season's best is 20.52secs, a time that is almost a second slower than the fastest 200m time of 19.67secs this year run by Jamaica's Usain Bolt, the new 100m world record holder.

"I can't worry about other competitors," insisted Malcolm.

"I can only do what I can do. The sport has moved on and I'm trying my best to move with it."