ATHLETICS: Paris 2024 still the goal for Rotherham pole vaulter Adam Hague

The 25-year-old hit a career high when he claimed a silver medal in last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

But approaching his peak years, the Rotherham athlete’s overall goal is to be part of the Great Britain squad for the 2024 Olympics at the other side of the English Channel.

“Paris is always in my mind. It’s a goal that will never leave my head,” said Hague, speaking ahead of this week’s event in Chelmsford.

“From a strength perspective I’ve seen some really good improvements in my vaulting and t’s about putting those things together on the day.”

The Sheffield & Dearne AC man equalled his season’s-best with a jump of 5.30m in this month’s European Team Championships in Poland.

“That was a great experience,” he said. “In my pool I came fifth and I got points for Great Britain. That’s what I wanted.”

Hague wasn’t as satisfied with his showing in the British Championships, coming second to Middlesbrough vaulter Charlie Myers,

“It is always good to go to the Nationals and be on the podium but I felt like I had a chance to gain something better this year,” he added. “Second place is still good, especially in a Nationals. I can’t grumble at that. Now I’m going to the English Champs now to win and to jump high.” 

The competition is on Sunday.