Arthur Milles says competing against a world-class field has intensified his hunger for success after an eye-opening international debut in New Delhi.
The Twickenham athletics ace, 19, finished 11th in his World Championship T13 1500m event for visually impaired athletes in sweltering sub-continental conditions.
The St. Mary’s Richmond Athletics Club star got off to a reasonable start at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but was unable to keep pace with the leaders in a scrappy-looking race.
Milles, who is about to begin a Natural Sciences degree at Durham University, has taken valuable lessons from the experience and hopes to use it to fuel his burgeoning career going forward.
“I’ve learned a lot – it’s great to run alongside really great and quick people,” he said.
“It’s a bit demoralising at the beginning but it just motivates you to get faster, which is great.
“My tactic was to try and go with the fast people, but I got jostled out of that position.
“When that happens I get panicky quite quickly, so that’s something I need to work on as an athlete.
“When you’ve got lots of visually impaired people, it’s inevitable there’s going to be some bumping and barging.
“A lot of it is unintentional and people just don’t realise who’s around them.”
Milles is one of over 30 British athletes out in the Indian capital, with the team now sponsored by official finance partner Novuna.
He crossed the line in a time of 4:12.92 as the USA’s Joel Gomez grabbed gold ahead of Russian Aleksandr Kostin and Australian Jaryd Clifford.
Milles is one of several international debutants among the British team out in New Delhi, which is balanced out with members of Paralympic royalty including Hannah Cockroft.
The south-west Londoner has taken everything in his stride and hopes to use it as a platform heading into the Los Angeles Paralympics in three years’ time.
“Everyone on the team has been amazing – they’re all so passionate and resilient,” he added.
“It’s great that we get to come here and show off all our amazing talents.
“It’s such an incredible atmosphere and I’m very grateful to be selected.
“I definitely want to get LA – it sounds a similar temperature so hopefully this serves me well.”
Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna helps millions across the UK – backing British businesses, supporting individuals’ plans, and supporting British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk
Feature image: Marcus Hartmann – Photography
Join the discussion