ST ALBANS sprinter Kyle Powell wants qualification for July’s IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon but has vowed not to rush his transition from junior to senior.

The 17-year-old has until the middle of June to clock a time of 23.45seconds or lower in the 200m but is confident of doing so having run a personal best of 23.38 last summer.

Powell, who also competes in the 100m and 400m, has received a boost in his bid after being named on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme for a second successive year.

The Oaklands College pupil will receive a cash injection of £1,000 towards training and competing and, while believing he can run faster than ever, he’s happy to also bid his time.

“In my athletics career I have been selected to represent Great Britain five times at senior level, which is a great honour,” said Powell.

“I am currently in the transition from junior to senior level and I don’t think I am at the top of my game yet but I’m sure with the right training I can get where I need to be as long as I stay focused.

“My next aim is hopefully to qualify for the World Championships in Lyon and that would be really good if I do.

“For Lyon I have previously got the 200m time so I am hoping I can go faster and impress the selectors more so maybe I can be selected.

“If it is not my time though, it is not my time – you have to be patient. The Rio 2016 Paralympics are definitely the aim. In four years time I will be 20 when the Games are on.

“To be selected would be such an amazing experience. I have heard from my friends who competed at London 2012 how amazing that was and it would be lovely to feel that.”

In partnership with SportsAid, the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative is designed to ensure more talent reaches the top of their sport.

And Powell says being part of the scheme has already been of a huge benefit, and he is delighted to have been recognised once again.

“Being part of the scheme is an amazing opportunity for me,” he said. “Last year the funding really helped as a lot of times when I go to competitions it is quite far away, so it is really beneficial to me.”

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, has supported 1,000 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes. As part of Lloyds TSB’s commitment to helping future sports stars prosper, the programme will continue in 2013. Follow future stars at facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes