Croydon Harriers Martyn Rooney pulled no punches when he criticised his 400m performance at Zlatà Tretra IAAF World Challenge meet in Ostrava, Czech Republic last Thursday, writes Ziad Chaudry.

The 32-year-old ran a below-par 47.38 secs way behind Bahamas Steven Gardiner, whose fellow native Shaunae Miller-Uibo earlier smashed Mexican Ana Guevara's rarely participated 16-year-old 300m world record in 34.41, who claimed a commanding 44.95 victory at the packed Mêstsky Stadium.

In his second individual 400m race this season the Crystal Palace fan was pretty unsatisfied about the time he posted in Ostrava but aims to get it right during the next few races in particular the forthcoming British Championships and World Trials.

"Running 47 is not acceptable," he said. "It's a time I never wanted to do, even as a kid I didn't want to run 47 seconds.

"I was able to roll in World Relays with 45.2. I've been running well in training but my races is not working. I've got to take a hard look at it.

"Its back to the drawing board, try to get ready for August then see what happens then."