12 June 2015 

It’s fair to say Dan Bramble (coach: Frank Attoh) is on cloud nine.

A 30cm personal best, first senior international selection, two World Championships qualification standards and an IAAF Diamond League debut in the first two months of the outdoor season. 

The long jumper is the first to admit that he wasn’t expecting to hit form so early. 

“I was injured all last season so to be coming back and jumping so well it’s really good,” said the 24-year-old. 

“I knew I had the potential to jump far but not so early on in the season especially in the first competition. That particular competition was to dust off the cobwebs and to be honest I wasn’t really expecting it but I’m glad I did it.”

The leap of 8.21m in Florida sent a clear message that Bramble’s winter training with coach Frank Attoh was paying dividends and it was backed up with a 8.17m jump at last Sunday’s Sainsbury’s Birmingham Grand Prix. 

“We’ve been mainly working on my speed,” admitted the Shaftesbury Barnet athlete. 

“I’ve always had the spring but haven’t had the speed. So this winter I’ve worked on my speed and sprinting and it seems to have paid off.

“I think I’ve got 8.30m in me. I need to get the work done and hopefully get out another far jump to keep it going in the right direction.”

Early season form saw Bramble receive an invite to the Sainsbury’s Grand Prix to compete against the world’s best long jumpers including Olympic champion Greg Rutherford. 

“It was really crazy competing in the Diamond League. I’ve been watching these guys on TV and now I’m standing right next to them and even beating some of them. The crowd was crazy and I’m just glad that I performed on the day.

“I’ve been looking up to Greg since I started. I remember in college I used to do coursework on him and I’d say he’s one of my idols. 

“To be competing next to him is just crazy. I look up to him and now I’m his competitor. He just said ‘hi how are you doing’ and we just kept it normal. 

“When I jumped my 8.21m he congratulated me when I saw him at the CityGames in Manchester so that was a nice surprise.”

Next up for the Acton-born leaper is the European Team Championships in Cheboksary, Russia and the excitement is clear to see for the debutant. 

“I picked up my kit the other day for the first time. I tried it all on and that was really exciting. I’m hoping I can perform in the colours.”