Christian Malcolm

British sprinter Christian Malcolm answers your queries on this weekend's European Indoor Championships in Vienna.

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Having first come to prominence in 1996, 22-year-old Christian Malcolm has built a reputation as one of the world's top sprinters.

Since being named World Junior Athlete of the Year in 1998, Christian has won a raft of medals, including 200m silver at the World Indoor Championships in 2001.

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Christian, congratulations on your silver medal at the weekend. Were you pleased with your performance?

It would have been nice to win and I was disappointed not to defend my title, but I suppose that's the way things go. I'm happy with the silver medal anyway.

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Gary Slawson, Bristol

You say your hamstring was tight on Saturday - is this going to be a problem for the rest of the season?

I actually tore my hamstring in the middle of the race. I was supposed to race in Glasgow this weekend but I've had to pull out now, and the doctor has told me to rest up for a few days.

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Sally Morgan, Cardiff

Are you targeting the Commonwealths more than the Europeans this summer, or vice versa?

I'm aiming for both of them. In 1998 I had several championships to prepare for, with the World Junior Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

I think we'll use the same preparations now as we did then, which is to concentrate on the Commonwealths, and hopefully be able to maintain my fitness for the Europeans. Hopefully that's what I'll be able to do.

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Mark Celio, England

How surprised were you by Colin Jackson's gold and has he got more in him yet?

No I wasn't surprised and I think there's more to come from Colin. The way he ran in Birmingham proved that he's coming back to the Colin of old. A lot of people were surprised that he ran so quick, but he's determined to go out with a bang, so it's good news for him.

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John Nolan, UK

Do you think Mark Lewis-Francis has it in him to be the best?

He has the potential, but there are so many talented athletes in Britain right now that it wont be easy. He faces competition from myself, Duane Chambers, Jason Gardner, Darren Campbell and many others, so I think he's got a lot to learn.

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Benjamin Dirs, Essex

You said in your column on BBC Sport Online that it was a great championship for the team. But shouldn't we be aiming to win things like this?

Different races have different levels, and you have to consider that. The 60m and the 200m both have world-class line-ups, whereas you can look at other events and say that the field is not as strong.

But it's a stepping-stone for and it shows that things are going well for the Great British team. I just hope we can maintain this form throughout the summer, and hopefully go on to get more medal at the World Championships and Olympic games.

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Fiona Graham, UK

Do you prefer running indoors or outdoors?

Indoors is fun, and it breaks up the hard slog of winter training. But I think outdoors is where it counts the most. Whatever you do indoors, regardless of whether it's winning a world or European title, everyone seems to forget that at the end of the season.

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Ben Ayers, Essex

How do you stay relaxed during a race?

I'm always nervous, but I just try and focus on what I'm doing and enjoy the moment. It's always good to perform in front of a big crowd, and I think that's what a lot of kids dream of doing. As long as I keep that thought in mind it helps me relax and just enjoy the moment more.

How long do you spend preparing for each race?

The preparation starts in the winter training - even as early as then the goal is in the back of your mind to make the major championships at the end of the season. As far as the final preparations go, they would normally start around two weeks before a major competition.

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Andy, London

Do you think you'll still be going at 35 like Colin Jackson is?

It would be nice to reach the age of 35 and still be the best in the world. I enjoy athletics now and I hope I'll still be able to enjoy it then.

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Tom Murray, UK

What haircut have you got planned for the summer?

I'm still debating that. At the moment I'm growing it, but I don't know how long I'll sustain that. I think I might end up having braids, but we'll see.