Walker Wilkinson ready for 'another level' in Paris

Callum Wilkinson was the first British walker to break the 39-minute barrier over 10km

Race walker Callum Wilkinson hopes high-altitude training in the Swiss Alps will provide the "final touches" as he looks to make an impact at the Paris Olympics.

The 27-year-old finished 10th in the 20km walk three years ago in Paris, but is approaching his second Games in positive mood.

He smashed his own record in winning the 10km event at the UK Championships in Manchester last month in a time of 38 minutes 43.91 seconds.

"I've been lucky enough to compete in front of some good crowds, but I expect this to be on another level entirely, competing in front of the Eiffel Tower on 1 August," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

Wilkinson's UK title win followed surgery last year because of a problem with sore shins and a subsequent calf muscle injury.

His jubilation on crossing the line in a specially staged race to enable him to try and earn enough points for a place in Paris was therefore understandable as he roared with delight before hurling his shades across the track and punching the air.

"It's been a manic, huge monumental effort to try to qualify for this year's Olympics," he said.

"I don't think I've done as many races in such a short period of time - all of them having so much hanging in the balance every time I stepped on the start line.

"It's been massive pressure, but it has gone so well - to come out with such positive results."

On his celebration in Manchester, Wilkinson said: "I look back and smile.

"I had my sunglasses on trying to hide a little bit of the pain I knew I was going to put myself through. It's almost like a tactical game with the judges - 'it's ok, I'm not on the limit here', but of course you are.

"It makes me laugh because I definitely don't have the budget to be throwing expensive sunglasses about. Luckily they're OK and will make another appearance."

It is exactly 60 years since Britain last won an Olympic medal in the 20km walk, a gold for Ken Matthews at Tokyo 1964.

But Wilkinson clocked one hour 20 minutes 27 seconds over the distance in La Coruna in Spain two months ago - 38 seconds quicker than Massimo Stano's gold medal-winning time for Italy in Tokyo in 2021.

Callum Wilkinson was overcome with emotion after winning the UK title

He is now based in St Moritz and will forego the opening ceremony in Paris on 26 July to use every possible day to prepare for his event six days later.

"It's a great motivational factor to know you are so close now," he added.

"We've got a great support team up here and some Team GB bunting in the room to try and make it feel as homely as possible.

"I'll travel from Switzerland straight into the Olympic village."