Murphy's eyes on medal

Murphy (centre) in last year's world indoors

Welsh athletics star Catherine Murphy is hoping to set the seal on another season of improvement with a first medal at a major event.

The 26-year-old Shaftesbury Harriers came to prominence last season and begins her 2002 campaign with a home fixture on Saturday.

She is one of the many stars on parade at the Norwich Union Trials & AAA Championships at Uwic in Cardiff, and is looking for a good start to an important season.

"It is going to be great for a Welsh athlete to run in front of a Welsh crowd," the 400m runner said.

Wales have a great bunch of athletes and a great team spirit. It is really good to be part of it

Catherine Murphy

"The facilities here are superb and, I know some people are disappointed in moving from Birmingham, but Cardiff will do us proud."

Murphy shot to fame last season by winning both the 200m and 400m at the indoor trials, but will not be able to repeat that double this time because of the event schedule.

"I'm a bit disappointed," she said. "But it gives me the incentive to do well in the 400m, to go and run my heart out.

"I'm hoping to earn a place in the world indoor team, and then to reach the final - which I just missed out on last year.

"And then I have my eyes on a medal because I haven't got a medal in a major championships."

Star names

Later in the year, Murphy will be one of the mainstays of the Wales team in the Commonwealth Games and she is looking forward to it.

"I missed the last Games because of injury and the selection criteria, so it will give me a huge lift if I can put on the red vest.

"We have a great bunch of athletes and a great team spirit. It is really good to be part of it."

Murphy will be just one of the star names lining up on Saturday and Sunday, with Christian Malcolm, Jason Gardener, Ashia Hansen Janine Whitlock and Colin Jackson all lined up to appear.

Tickets for the event are available in person at the National Indoor Athletics Centre, UWIC or by telephoning 02920 416777.