CITY of Plymouth’s international hurdler David King will return to Europe this month to compete in the World Indoor Tour meeting in Madrid.

King decided not to do a full indoor European season this year to concentrate on training at his American base in Phoenix, Arizona.

But he has opted to come back for the event in Spain on February 24 and might also try and squeeze in another competition before that to try and achieve the European Indoor Championship qualifying time.

King, who is able to compete internationally during the coronavirus pandemic as he is classed as an elite athlete, has only run twice this year – both in America – but does top the British 60m hurdles rankings.

He clocked 7.78 seconds unrested in his first competition in Phoenix before running 7.80 seconds last Sunday in a stacked field at the American Track League event in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

King, who has his eye on this summer’s Olympic Games, was frustrated last weekend as he felt he could have run much faster.

“It was a bit of mess,” said the British champion. “The guy in the lane next to me false started and I waited in the blocks thinking that the starter would call back the race, but unfortunately he didn’t and I ended up giving everyone two metres and running 7.80.

“It was very frustrating since I know I’m in great shape – especially if I can run that time with a slow start.”

King’s PB for the 60m hurdles is 7.63 seconds, which is inside the British European Indoor Championship qualifying time, but to be considered for the GB team he would need to run 7.65 by February 21 – three days before he is due to compete at the World Indoor Tour Meet in Madrid.