Rob Mullett is setting himself high goals for the World Championships in London next month.

The steeplechaser, who grew up in Lewes, not only wants to make the final but also wants to hit the personal best he set last year.

Mullett is preparing in France for the 3,000m steeplechase, in which his first heat takes place in the evening session of August 10.

He told the Argus: “I really want to make the final, that is the big goal.

“If there was a personal best coming the way, that would be great.

“I think at least I can run right now the same as my personal best (8:22.42 minutes) or quicker.

“I am very confident that I am in personal best shape, at the very least.”

Although born in Manchester, Mullet grew up in Lewes.

He competed for Lewes Athletic Club for many years.

After graduating at St Mary’s University, Twickenham,) in 2009, he moved to the US due to a scholarship at Butler University.

On graduating, he stayed in the US but kept in touch with his Lewes coach David Leach.

Since January, Mullett has competed for Atlanta Track Club. He changed coaches and now works with former middle and long distance runner Amy Begley and her husband Andrew.

Mullett said: “I still speak to Dave but definitely all my training and advice now comes from Andrew and Amy.”

Having finished sixth in the European Championships in Amsterdam and having competed in the Olympics in Rio, the World Championships in Great Britain are still something very special for Mullett.

He added: “I am really happy, it’s exciting - even qualifying for a World Championships - but it’s a special one in London. It is just a cool experience so I am really happy to do it.

“I think Dave will be there to support me.

“I don’t think my coaches are coming over from the US but I think my family and Dave will be there when I compete.”

The three times British champion knows all about the great atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium from competing in the Diamond League. He hopes for the same at the Worlds.

Mullett said: “I expect the atmosphere to be the same.

“I might be wrong with that but the British crowd are always very good, so I am kind of expecting it to be similar at least.”

During the race, the 29-year-old has a simple trick to stay fresh in mind.

He said: “In the Europeans I was always thinking to keep myself in the race and to keep myself competitive. So it is really just about trying to hang on in there.”