THE path to the Olympic Games in Tokyo will take Danny Talbot to Texas later this month.

The 29-year-old Trowbridge Tornado international sprinter is planning a three-month training camp in America with his new coach Vince Anderson.

At least that is the intention but as the plan was originally scheduled for the autumn – only to be axed due to the second lockdown – Talbot is taking nothing for granted.

“I now have the clearance to go the United States and book flights from January 27th if not a little earlier,” said Talbot.

“I was originally going in October and then returning home for Christmas but I had to delay it. But going out in January might be even better as I would stay for three months and then come back to the UK in time for the World Relay Championships, so that would work out really well.

“I may then return to Texas in May for some more work with Vince and then come back here for the European season and the build-up to the Olympics but we’ll wait and see about that.”

With the first trip to Texas called off, Talbot, a former student at St Augustine’s School, opted to remain at his base in Loughborough thereby allowing him access to the extensive facilities at the University.

That also allowed him the opportunity to hook up with young coach Glyn Hawkes which provided an unexpected link to his new set up with Anderson.

“Glyn is based in Loughborough and has a really good relationship with Vince so he supervised my training schedule,” explained Talbot.

“I speak to Vince every day anyway but Glyn can take care of all the technical stuff and filming and discuss that with him so it works really well.

“Working with Glyn has been a really big help to me and I have enjoyed my sessions.

“It has also been good to get access to the indoor and outdoor facilities at Loughborough. It is all Covid-safe and protected and you have to book your training slots in advance to ensure that there are not too many people using the facility at the same time.

“It is all very secure and has worked well for everyone here.”

Crucially, Talbot has enjoyed several months of solid training now since returning to the track in the summer after a two-year injury nightmare which saw him undergo two operations on an ankle injury.

Talbot returned to racing in the summer but admits that, in all likelihood, the long period on the sidelines would have cost him a chance of making the team for his second Olympics had it been held as scheduled in Japan.

The delay of a year, due to the pandemic, has benefitted Talbot and he is more motivated than ever to take advantage of his unexpected second chance to make the British team for the 200m and sprint relay and qualify for his second Olympic Games after making his debut in Rio de Janeiro.

“I’m really excited about 2021,” added Talbot.

“I feel I am getting into really good shape again as I have done some sessions recently similar to a few years ago when I was at my very best.

“So that is really encouraging, but I am trying to temper my excitement by acknowledging that the indoor season probably won’t happen and I may not race again until the summer.”

“I’ll be ready to race in America if I get the chance but it is a weird mindset to be honest. Nonetheless, it is all part of the learning experience and will make me a better athlete.”

And if it all leads to a place on the start line in Tokyo then Talbot’s tortuous journey of the past few years will have been well worth it.