City University student Cheriece Hylton wants to do her country proud at the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast.

The second year BSc Business Management undergraduate will compete for England in the 400m and believes her studies have helped with her training.

Hylton said: “Training for the Commonwealth Games and studying at Cass has really enhanced my vision.

“I think the qualities I’ve gained with my studies and trainning has instilled discipline in me. I am very strict with my time management and realise I cannot afford to fall behind in my training and revision.

“I’ve never competed at a major championships during term time before, so it has pressed me to be even more attentive.

“To be able to weat the England vest at my first senior competition in such a well-established competition is unbelievable. I’m not putting pressure on myself.

“Training has been going well, so I want to go out there and do myself and my country proud. If I can leave the Games doing that, I will be delighted.”

Hylton trains at St Albans, Lee Valley and Allianz Park, home of Saracens Rugby Club, and puts a lot of stock in visualisation.

“I block a lot of things out and stay mentally focused on my race or exam,” she added.

“I don’t hear the crowd and focus on my running, the same way in an exam, I focus on my writing.”

And Hylton, whose twin sister Shannon is also competing at the Games, is only too happy to follow the advice of her parents and the example set by former Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu.

“It’s incredible to have her (Shannon) there as she has been with me every step of the way,” she added. “Not only in athletics, but also in life. Whatever the otucome I know we support each other, even when racing against each other.

“She is my training partner and competitor, but also my rock.

“My parents always said education first and sport second. I always wanted to go to university because I love learning and I also want to do a Masters.

“I look at people like Christine, who has returned to education to study law. She’s had an incredible atlhetics career and to see her value education makes me want to emulate her success in my education and athletics.”