Being ... Jack Green

Maidstone athlete Jack Green has been invited onto the World Class Performance Plan 2010/11 by UKA, the national governing body for UK athletics.

Jack has been recognised by the association following his excellent performances this year, the highlight being a fifth place finish in the 400m Hurdles at the Junior World Championships, together with a bronze medal as team captain in the 4 x 400m Relay. See the video on Jack’s Facebook page, here, for a fantastic race by the team and Jack’s stunning last lap! You’ll need to scroll down a fair way - a lot’s happened since then!

Jack also won the England Under-20 400 metres hurdles and with his eye on a place in Team GB at the London Olympics, his aims for next season are winning gold at the U-23 World Championships and making the final of the senior World Championships.

He tells us about wearing loud lycra while drinking too much chocolate milk ...

You’re now coached by Malcolm Arnold – how inspiring is it to work with the man who oversaw the career of our most celebrated hurdler, Colin Jackson?

Working with Malcolm is great because there are very few coaches out there with his experience. The fact he has had all these great athletes is extremely inspiring. Everyone in Malcolm's group has a great relationship with him which really helps.

Dai Greene and Rhys Williams, European Gold and Silver Medallists this year, are now your training partners – was it difficult to slot in to a new regime or does their success spur you on even more?

Unfortunately Rhys has just left us but having Dai there is amazing. The new regime is very tough but I am used to it now and running well. Training with Dai will only make me better so I'm very happy right now.

How important is it to have the backing of a major sports company like Nike to any developing athlete?

Having Nike support me really helps because I get support from them all year round. Plus a lot of the kit is very loud which makes things even better. Nike being involved gives me a bit more confidence (Not that I need any!!) I will be racing in the same kit as all the professional athletes so I best start performing like one.

Who’s the most famous sports person you’ve met?

I have met Maurice Greene who is also my hero. He was so confident which really appeals to me. I recently met Jason Gardener, Colin Jackson as well as Mark Foster.

Currently listening to, watching and reading:

I'm currently listening to a lot of Drake but I listen to everything really. Kanye West's album has just been released so I will be getting that in the near future. I watch a lot of films, not big on TV. My favourite film is The Express and any aspiring sportsman should watch it. I am reading Michael Johnson's autobiography as well as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo which I am really enjoying.

Your favourite thing/place in Maidstone:

Favourite place in Maidstone? Well after McDonalds it has to be All Saints in House of Fraser!!

I can’t live without ...

Chocolate milk and my phone.

I can live without ...

Long runs. I get so bored doing them!

Tea or coffee?

Neither. I have just started drinking green tea.

Sweet or savoury?

Sweet. No one can turn down sweet surely!

Ferrari or Jaguar?

Ferrari, more speed!

Any guilty pleasures? A secret Strictly Come Dancing fan, for example?

Guilty pleasures?! I love girls with short hair, not sure if I should announce that! I drink a lot of chocolate milk. Ummmm it would take a lot of persuasion to get me on Strictly, public humiliation.

And what’s the best thing about being Jack Green?

Best thing about being me.. I'm not too different to anyone else really. Having the mental age of a 12 year old half the time is always fun. I won't let myself grow out of that one!!

Thanks so much for your time, Jack, with our best wishes for a successful 2011!