St Mary’s University’s Charlie Grice has his sights firmly set on winning a medal at next month’s IAAF World Indoor Championships after retaining his British Indoor men’s 1500m title last Sunday at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

The 22-year-old Twickenham-based athlete, who came into his title defence fresh after recovering from flu-like symptoms which forced him to pull out of Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix IAAF World Tour meeting last month, bossed the race with 300m to go to secure a season’s best three minutes 46.50 seconds.

“I’m really chuffed to win today,” said a delighted Grice.

“I have had a bad week so it is great to retain my title and seal a spot for the World Indoors.”

The 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships takes place in Portland, USA on between March 17 and 20.

“I’m really glad to have come out on top. It wasn’t too slow, but it was a fair race which played into my hands,” Grice added.

“I’ve been training in Ethiopia so my strength has improved and I am now hoping to medal in Portland. I’m heading in the right direction.”

Former Harlequins Academy rugby player Toby Harries is now looking forward to preparing for the outdoor season after bagging his maiden British men’s 200m title.

The 17-year-old beat off a stern challenge from Enfield’s Ben Snaith and Portugal’s David Lima for a 21.13secs victory.

“It feels absolutely amazing to be British champion,” said Harries, who earlier in the semi-finals broke the European junior record of 21.12.

“I didn’t even think I would make the final so to get the gold medal is literally breath-taking.

“I’m now focusing on outdoors and the World Juniors. I am going to work hard on my start. Hopefully, I will get the chance to run against the big guys in Poland.”