HANNAH England believes her experience in major competitions can ensure she continues to get better and better on the world stage.

The Oxford City athlete endured a frustrating campaign in 2014, which saw her reach the 1500m finals in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, but miss out on a medal in both.

England’s season will be geared towards the World Championships in Beijing in August, and she is confident that an untroubled build-up can see her challenge for honours.

The 28-year-old was hindered by illness and minor injuries last year and she is determined to do all she can to avoid a repeat in 2015.

Latest Sport news

England is currently in Kenya, having tinkered with her training schedule in order to try and produce the best results.

“Illness through the winter has always been a challenge for me,” she said.

“My coach Bud (Baldaro) and I have been extra vigilant this year at making sure that we aren’t too ambitious with my training load and that I listen to my body very closely.

“Consistency of training has always produced the best results for me so we are working really hard to try and achieve that this year.”

She added: “This year I am trying a few things, like a bit more time at altitude and a few different things in the weights room to see how these impact my performances.”

Kelly Holmes was 34 when she won the 800m and 1500m double at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and with England some way off that age, she is confident we have not yet seen the best of her.

“I feel that every year the training and races I do make me physically and mentally stronger,” she said.

“I’ve got a great deal of training and experience to draw on and definitely feel that I can improve.”

Having won silver in the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011, England would dearly love to pick up another medal in a major event.

And while targeting a good display in Beijing this year, she will take it one step at a time.

“My main focus for 2015 are the World Championships and, as always, the first hurdle is selection and this will be my first target.

“I’ll hope to get the qualifying time and finish in the top two at the British Championships.

“I’m also planning to do an indoor season which will be a fun racing opportunity.”

While England is concentrating on her favoured distance, she is hoping to compete in a few other events throughout the season.

“The 1500m will be my main focus again this year, although I always love running an 800m so hopefully I can fit a few of those in too,” she said.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.