Buck stops here

The 19-year-old Nestl Rowntree Athletics Club runner has torn a hamstring at the England training camp in Australia.

While the Games opening ceremony got underway at Melbourne today, the rising Pickering star who had flown out as part of the 4 x 400metres relay squad, will be confined to the sidelines.

He said: "I am utterly disappointed not to be competing in the Games, especially given the form I was in before the championships.

"But the experience has so far been invaluable. I'm sure that it can only benefit me when I come to the European Championships in August."

The one inch by three inch tear prevented Buck from racing at a meeting before the Games and although he may just recover in time for the relays he is behind in preparation.

He said: "I'm attempting to return to fitness, but with me missing so much training on the track I think my race fitness will be lacking. The general feeling on the medical team and team management is that I'm young, so it is all about the long game.

"There is no point risking my leg again until it's 100 per cent, especially with the UK season coming closer and closer, and the Europeans in August."

Despite the bitter blow of not being able to compete, Buck is relishing being with the England squad.

"It had been great around all the other athletes. The atmosphere is intense but I like it. Everyone knows exactly what has to be sacrificed to reach the elite level.

"Everybody knows how things make you feel. With my leg, people have been through similar things here, so are giving me advice on how to deal with it, and how to improve my training when I return to the UK.

"The team is fantastic. Aside from all the professionalism of the athletes, there can still be more relaxed moments in the camp.

"The weather has been fantastic. It is just superb for rehabilitation for my hamstring. I can do my exercises in the warmth, without the fear of the cold getting through to my muscles."

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, March 15, 2006