Dai Greene, Martyn Rooney, Louise Hazel and Danny Talbot countdown to Daegu. 15 August 2011

Following official selection announced last week, Dai Greene(400m hurdles), Martyn Rooney (400m), Louise Hazel (heptathlon) and Danny Talbot (4x100m) all travel to the UKA Preparation Camp in Ulsan this week ahead of the IAAF World Championships starting on 27 August.

Danny Talbot has enjoyed a breakthrough season, after representing the Senior GB & NI team over 200m at the European Team Championships in June and taking Silver in the 4x100m at the European Under 23 Championships. He was all set to travel to the World Student Games, until he received the call last Monday to confirm his selection for the IAAF World Championships.

“It was only half an hour before I planned to leave for the airport to travel to the World Student Games, when I had the unexpected call from UKA to say I had been picked for the 4x100m squad at the World Championships. UKA Coach Tony Lester told me to “unpack my bags”, I couldn’t believe it.

“I haven’t really been part of the GB 4x100m squad all year as it is so competitive for places, so I didn’t expect to get the call up but I was brought into the team that raced at the London Grand Prix at the last minute. We have a great tradition in the 4x100m relay so I am really chuffed to be part of the team, especially building towards the Olympic Games next year.”

Martyn Rooney is looking forward to the Championships after a mixed year so far;

“I’m keen to get out there now and make sure I progress through the rounds and run smart in qualification. I have the experience of the Olympic Games final (2008) and World Championships two years ago behind me. For me, it’s all about the Championships and hopefully it will all come together.”

Dai Greene goes into the World Championships as leader of the Samsung Diamond League after a terrific year so far. With expectations high, he said:

“I want to be on that podium, that’s the motivation that has got me through training hard day in and day out. I need to give a good account of myself to be a real contender for the Olympics next year.

“I feel in great shape, my confidence is high and can’t wait to get out there now and represent my country.”

Louise Hazel will compete in the heptathlon after a great performance in Ratingen, Gemany earlier this summer with a personal best score. She said:

“It has come around so quickly, now we are just about to fly out to the Prep Camp, the anticipation is starting to build. I’m really looking forward to competing on the world stage again and certainly aim to produce a lifetime best.

“At the Worlds last time around, I was just happy to be there. But this year I have a totally different mind set and want to produce my absolute best performance over the two days.”