DECATHLETE Michael Holden wants to set the record straight at next month’s National Combined Events Championships.

The 21-year-old, from Clacton, hopes to earn selection for Britain’s senior team when he competes in Sheffield on January 8 and 9.

And he could be forgiven for thinking he has unfinished business in the Steel City.

Having won it two years ago, he was disqualified on the pole vault last year – a failure that cost him overall victory and a call-up by Britain.

Now he wants to set the record straight and told the Gazette: “I’ve been targeting this event in Sheffield.

“It’s very important to me and I feel fit and prepared.

“I managed to win it a couple of years ago, so in some respects I’ve got good memories.

“But last year was obviously very disappointing because I no-heighted in the pole vault.

“It’s usually one of my strongest events, so I felt confident I could do well.

“Had I been successful, I’m pretty sure I would have claimed top spot overall.

“But I had one of those days when nothing went right for me and I hit the bar three times.

“It left me trailing behind in fifth or sixth.”

For the full interview with Holden, see Thursday's Clacton Gazette.