大象传媒

The talented 21-year-old has been interested in sports since high school. Richard attended Lady Lumley's School in Pickering, and was encouraged by his PE teacher to race for his house in the 400 metres.听 He won the race and his interest in running grew from there.

Richard joined Scarborough Athletics Club and then moved to the City of York AC in 2001, at the age of 14, where his grandfather was a sprint coach.

Geoff Barraclough, Richard's grandfather, has been his coach ever since and, like anyone in his position, he is a hugely proud of his grandson.

Richard was selected for the relay squads in 2006 for the Commonwealth Games, the European Cup and the European Championships. Unfortunately Richard missed out on all three.

After being hit with a virus, it was uncertain whether or not Richard would be well enough to attend the Olympic trials in Birmingham on 11th July. However, he did attend the trials and although he won his heat, he did not make it any after further.

Richard explains, "I always knew it'd be tough. Everyone knew the situation. it wasn't an easy race for because mentally I know how to run fast, but physically it's just not been there.

"It was probably the wrong decision to make, but it was probably the right one for me."

Richard headed out to Macau on 4th August in the hope that he will be chosen to run in the 4 x 400 metre relay event. Once he arrives at the Team GB camp, he will have two days to acclimatise to the hot weather, before undertaking some light training.

He won't find out whether or not he has made the team until Team GB coach Tony Lester has run the relay team. He needs to check the physical capabilities of the full team, in order to make a selection for the race on 22nd August.

Speaking to 大象传媒 Radio York Richard explained, "I'm very comfortable with the relay team and the rest of the team, so there's no more nervous tension about being with the GB team and mingling with the stars. It's all very comfortable for me now, so it's gonna be relaxed and just get my race head on."