RICHARD BUCK has pledged to overcome the disappointment of missing out on the World Athletics Championships by setting fast times for the rest of the season.

The 400 metre runner returns to the track today after setting new goals following his failure to make the Great Britain team for either the individual or relay races in Moscow next month.

City of York Athletic Club ace Buck takes part in a European Premier Meeting at his home base in Loughborough before looking to run a series of races in Europe after the Russian games.

The 26-year-old finished last in the final of the 400 metres at the British Championships at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium – a meeting which doubled as the trial for the World Championships.

Buck had complained of some soreness following a run a couple of weeks ago in Reims, France, but believes his troubles in the Midlands may have been more psychological.

“It is difficult to say,” said Buck when asked what had gone wrong.

“Nothing bothered me during the weekend physically. Maybe things were playing on my mind a little bit and there is no reason why I shouldn’t have been able to put on a better performance out there.

“It is tough in one respect in that my season’s best could have easily made at least the relay team, but it is just one of those things.

“What is important now is that I pinpoint where it slipped away and try to get it back for the rest of the season.”

Buck continued: “I spoke about having a drop in confidence before the run and it was about both how my body was holding up and how it was after the race.

“I got myself in a position where I wan’t convinced I was doing the right thing but had very little time to change it.

“I was not sure on the strategy of the race and when to kick.

“It is frustrating but it is how sport is.”

A debrief session with his coach will get to the bottom of the problem, Buck hopes, and he said he was now concentrating on putting together some good times before the end of the outdoor campaign.

“I am looking to get back in two or three weeks in Europe before the start of the worlds and then jumping back in afterwards,” he added.

“It’s about getting out there and enjoying athletics again and making sure I get things sorted out in my mind.

“It’s about getting around a few races and doing something different.”