BOLTON middle distance runner Chris Mulvaney intends to set British athletics alight this season.

The 21-year-old from Heaton, who has spent the last two years studying and training in America, has had a fantastic start to his season with a sub-four minute mile in the States.

His sizzling 3.58.94 took him to 13th fastest on the UK all-time list in a race which also saw him beat American champion Senecca Lassiter and Olympic finalist Daniel Zegey of Ethiopia.

Mulvaney gave British viewers a brief glimpse of his quality late last season when he flew over to Britain to take part in the European Championships qualifiers.

He was impressive until his long hard season caught up with him and he missed out on a place in the team largely because of fatigue.

He cut short his season at that point and the rest has done him good as he has returned with a vengeance on the States' renowned college circuit.

Now he has set his sights high with a place in the final of this summer's World Championships - at either 800m or 1,500m - his main ambition.

He said: "My indoor season went really well. I only raced a few times as I am planning on having a very good outdoor season this year.

"I am coming back to England in mid June where I will be competing in the track season.

"My main goals are to win the AAAs, win gold at the European Under 23s, qualify and make the final of the World Championships and to set some big personal best times in the 800m and 1500m."

Mulvaney believes competing in the States is the best possible grounding for a successful career in athletics.

"The facilities are amazing," he said. "We have an indoor track, outdoor track, weight room, off road running trails, cross country course, golf course for our hills. We also have a full-time physio and our own training room. We get massages every week and blood tests whenever we want.

"I also have the chance to train and go to university without having to worry about money or having to work because I have a scholarship. I get a very high level of competition in the NCAA and I see it as a stepping stone to the top events like the World Championships and Olympics."