Gary Coleman's selection as the Easy Runner athlete of the month for May is a reflection of the enormous strides he has taken this summer.

The 17-year-old from Westbury-on-Trym is a stronger, more confident athlete than the 2008 version and his recent personal bests over 200m (22.9secs) and 400m (49.69secs) have enhanced his self-belief.

Breaking a milestone was the perfect way to kick off the new campaign and his victory in the Avon Championships, when he broke the landmark 50 seconds for the first time in his career, almost single-handedly earned him the prize from Bristol's leading athletics retailer.

"I had run 50 seconds dead in the opening Midland League match at Tipton and it felt good," said Coleman.

"Ever since I started running 400 metres my target has always been to get under 50 seconds and to do it at the county championships was great.

"I was also very pleased that I managed to do it again last weekend in the Midland League (49.96secs). It is good to be consistent under 50 seconds and now the aim must be to run low 49 seconds and build on what I have done."

The goal that Coleman has in his sights is the time of 49.3secs, which is the qualifying standard for the senior boys' 400m at the English Schools' Championships.

"That time is at the back of my mind but of more importance in the next few weeks is to do well in the Avon Schools' Championships at the weekend and then the South West Schools' the following week," added Coleman.

"Running 49.3secs is a tough standard and a big jump up from the standard of 51.3secs I had to do for the inter boys' 400m last year."

The qualifying standard may have increased but Coleman is a far better athlete this year and has clearly benefited from the training regime introduced by his coach Graham Howell at Yate & District AC.

"I have been doing more endurance work with Graham and also started lifting weights for the first time," explained Coleman.

"I have also grown into my legs as well and have more muscle. I feel a lot stronger than last year."

Coleman, who is a student at Filton College, made his English Schools' debut in Gateshead last July but nerves got the better of him and he didn't perform as well as he would have liked.

"I was very, very nervous at Gateshead and almost shaking before the start of the race," said Coleman.

"I know what to expect now and I'm sure I can do better next time."

First he has to make the team but, as the second fastest 400m runner in the south west, he should be able to stake a strong claim for selection. And if he can dip under 49.3 seconds as well, his place in the team for Sheffield next month should be assured.