Promising Hackney sprinter Reuben Arthur is hungry for more success at BUCS Nationals after claiming bronze on his debut last year.

Third-year Goldsmiths University student Arthur believes he is in better shape this year and is confident of taking the title in what will be his final shot at BUCS Nationals glory.

Having claimed Goldsmith’s first ever BUCS athletics medal with his bronze, the former Oakland College pupil feels more progress can be made.

“I’m a lot more excited than last year,” the 21-year-old said.

“Last year was my first one despite being eligible for three years, so I just went last year not really expecting anything or thinking anything but this year I’m really excited.

“I know BUCS is fun, I enjoyed myself thoroughly last year, it was a good competition with good vibes so I’m looking forward to it.

“As athletes, every time we enter a competition we want to win it

“I wanted to win it last year, but the reality of the situation is I wasn’t in the shape to do so.

“But this year I’m in good shape and I have high expectations of myself so if I go in and get a win I’ll be happy, if I go in and get a personal best I’ll be happy but ultimately the aim is to win.”

Arthur has enjoyed an encouraging season on the track so far, having made his England debut at a race in Vienna, and now has his eyes on the European Championships in Berlin later this year.

He said: “The standard is 10.25s for the 100m and last year I was able to run 10.18 so I think it is within me, it is about running the standard and going to the trials event and seeing how it goes.

“Beyond all of that I just want to run fast and have fun.”

As one of four sports scholars at Goldsmiths, Arthur believes he is setting an example for those who have athletic ambitions outside the major sports universities.

He also praised Goldsmiths’ sports development coordinator Tolu Magbagbeola, who he credits with his progress in the sport.

He added: “I think some people feel like in order to continue athletics and have a university education, you have to go to Bath or Brunel or Loughborough.

“It gives people the opportunity to say I don’t have to go to a university that specialises in sport to be supported in my sport, someone else will support me and I can still have a great education.

“For me it means I get to stay in London and live with my mum which is a whole load of stress off my back, it represents a new opportunity for other people to do things differently.

“Tolu is very supportive.We have quite an intimate group of sportspeople here but she makes sure we get the exposure we need, we get any help with financial burdens, she’s helped me out personally a lot so I’m very grateful to her.”

BUCS Nationals powered by Muhdo is the largest annual multi-sport event in the UK, bringing the best of Britain’s university athletes together to compete across eight different sports in Sheffield. More info at bucs.org.uk and via #BUCSNationals