Jackson gets all-clear

Colin Jackson wants to add to his titles

Colin Jackson will compete at this summer's Commonwealth Games following a meeting with Welsh athletics officials on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old 110m hurdles world record holder failed to compete at the 2001 Welsh Championships, which was part of the selection criteria.

But that rule has been waived for the three-time European champion, former Olympic silver medallist and world champion, who is determined to round off his career with a third Commonwealth title.

"I've spoken to the AAW about the situation and obviously a rule was set for competing at the Commonwealth Games," he said.

Wales as a nation is very successful right now

David Moorcroft, chief executive of UK Athletics

"But I wanted the AAW to know that, if I'm fit and healthy, I want to run for Wales and I wanted to tell them face to face."

Jackson has hinted that 2002 will be his final year at the top, and he is hoping to finish it in medal-winning fashion.

"I'm looking at the European Indoors at the beginning of March and, as well as Manchester, there's the European Championships too," he said.

"And being greedy, I would like to add more titles to my collection."

Wales will also be the centre of attention this weekend when the British 2002 season kicks off in earnest in Cardiff.

The University of Wales Institute will host the Norwich Union Trials and AAA Championships on 2 and 3 February.

Thrilled

David Moorcroft, the chief executive of UK Athletics, the sport's governing body in Britain, believes that Cardiff should provide the ideal launching pad for the season in what is a hugely important year for British athletics.

"Wales as a nation is very successful right now and obviously with it being a Commonwealth Games year, there is an added significance," Moorcroft said.

The meeting has been switched from its usual home in Birmingham because of a date clash with tennis' Davis Cup, but Moorcroft says he is "thrilled" that Cardiff has the opportunity to host the event.

Tickets to see the Norwich Union Trials and AAA Championships at UWIC on 2-3 February are available from Ticketmaster by calling 0870 444 4440 and online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.