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Sport

Returning Kent 400m hurdles star Jack Green named in Great Britain squad for IAAF World Relays in Bahamas on May 2 and 3

By: Alex Hoad

Published: 14:00, 20 April 2015

Updated: 14:11, 20 April 2015

Jack Green’s athletics renaissance after nearly two years away from the track gathered pace this weekend with his first 400m hurdles victory and a TeamGB recall on Monday afternoon.

The 23-year-old former Brockhill School, Hythe, and Saltwood Primary School pupil took a break from the sport in July 2013, less than a year after reaching the London 2012 Olympic semi-finals, later revealing he had been battling depression.

After a spell away from athletics and training with professional rugby coaches, Green returned to the track last year, only to be hit by a fractured back which sidelined him until late last year when he switched to Florida to train under acclaimed coach Loren Seagrave at the IMG Academy near Orlando.

The Maidstone-born star launched his season in style as first he was handed the third leg in a 4x400m relay at the prestigious Florida Relays at Gainesville on April 4, making light of wet conditions to run a sub-45second split for just the third time in his career.

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The previous two times came in the relay at London 2012, where he helped GB finish fourth, just 0.13 outside a bronze medal.

The performance earned Green a place in the GB squad, announced on Monday, for the 2015 IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas on May 2 and 3, where he could line up alongside Jamaican great Usain Bolt.

Green’s first run over hurdles came at the star-studded NTC Pure Athletics Sprint Elite Meet at Clermont on Saturday, where he led the field home by more than a second in windy conditions, finishing in 50.23secs - the fastest time he has run since the heats at the Olympic Games.

He added “It was awful conditions for a 400 hurdles. I definitely wanted quicker but for a first race in two years, I’m happy. I’m pleased. It’s nice to be back where I belong. It’s a good platform to build on.”

Jack Green running the 4x400m relay at London 2012. Picture: Barry Goodwin.

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