LISTEN: Stockton Sprinter Aims High

16 March 2014, 06:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Stockton sprinter Richard Kilty was crowned the world champion in the 60m at the Indoor Championships in Sopot - now he's aiming to go and win more.

The so-called 'Teesside Tornado' ran the 60m in a lifetime best of 6.49 seconds last weekend.

But it wasn't an easy journey to the finals.

When Richard started running his family had no money, at one point they were left homeless, and he was training without a coach. 

He was overlooked by Team GB selectors during the past 18 months - missing his chance to compete in London 2012 Olympics.

But after his incredible win, the 24 year old, who started running after being inspired by his dad, his primary school teacher and Olympic champion Maurice Green, is now aiming for more medals in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

Off the back of his victory, Richard told Capital:
"Right now I've been pretty busy this week with lots of interviews and meeting family and having some celebrations.

But I have to get back to training quickly because the outdoor season's coming. There's the Commonwealth Games, European Championships and I'm going to Florida for two months of warm weather training with my coach. Just preparing for the outdoor season.

A lot of people are putting pressure on me and there's the expectation to break 10 seconds in the 100m. So I have to go out there and try and do that for the people, but mainly for myself.

There's a lot of exciting times ahead. I love challenges" 

Hear more from Richard talking to Capital's reporter Anna Harding here: