Omar Simpson's remarkable transformation from former professional footballer to top athlete continues apace after he joined Britain's elite at an overseas training camp this week.
Twelve months ago, the 23-year-old from Twerton might have thought warm-weather training was a kickabout on a sun-kissed beach.
But now he has been invited to attend a UK Athletics camp in Florida and jetted off to Daytona Beach yesterday along with training partner Danny Talbot and Bathampton coach Dan Cossins.
An intensive month of training will culminate in a couple of competitions before returning home for the new track season.
"It came as a bit of a surprise when I was invited to join the GB squad but I was obviously delighted," said Simpson.
"I am so new to the sport that I have had to find my own funding but, thanks to various charities and sports organisations, I have managed to do to that.
"I didn't expect people to help me as much as they did and I am very grateful as it is quite a bit of money. Now I am really looking forward to joining my first training camp as things are going so well at the moment."
The former Yeovil Town footballer has been earmarked as one to watch by UK Athletics after winning his first England vest and reached the 400m final at the UK Indoor Championships during the winter.
"It is going to be an amazing experience for me, not just being able to train full-time but also experience working alongside top British athletes," said Simpson, a former Ralph Allen student.
"It is quite shocking that everything is going so fast for me. One year ago I was barely running and now I am off to Florida for training.
"Hopefully I can keep this progress going, have a great summer and try to win my first Great Britain vest."
