Rhys Williams (Cardiff AAC) today announced he has taken the decision to leave Colin Jackson’s training group. The 24 year-old 400m hurdler will now concentrate on his long term development as he moves forward towards next year’s World Championships and the London Olympics.

Williams said: "After much consideration I have taken the difficult decision to leave Colin Jackson’s training group in Cardiff and join up with Benke Blomkvist. I believe this is the right decision for me at this stage in my career as I look to build on the work I’ve been doing with Colin over the last couple of years. I want to take this opportunity to thank Colin for all he has done for me and look forward to his ongoing input throughout my career as I value his support."

UK Athletics Performance Director Dave Collins said: "It is important for our senior athletes to try new things as part of their training and long term development. We will now work with Rhys to focus on getting him in the best  possible shape over the winter and to prepare him for next season with  the full and continuing support of UK Athletics."

Colin Jackson added: "It has been a pleasure to work with Rhys and his decision has my full support. I wish him every success and believe he has the talent and ability to achieve at the highest level. I am proud of my work with Rhys and look forward to contributing to the development of British athletes."

Jeremy Moody, UK Athletics Performance Manager in Wales said he hoped that Jackson would continue to provide insight and advice to British athletes. "Rhys and Colin have always been welcome within the training groups at the NIAC. The change in lead coach does not exclude any contribution from Colin; on the contrary we would actively encourage it. After all he has experiences to share that only very few athletes have, namely success at the world class level."