Bosworth gunning for gold as London 2017 route announced

Bosworth, a five-time British record holder, placed sixth at his maiden Games in Rio, finishing just 0.76 seconds short of a bronze medal in a time of 1:20.13.

But, as the route for the London 2017 route was announced on Thursday, the 26-year-old insists medalling on home soil could prove to be the pinnacle of his career thus far.

Staged at The Mall on August 13, the route for both the 20km and 50km race walks will involve a 2km loop between Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch, with competitors in each event completing 10 and 25 laps of the course respectively.

And for Bosworth, competing in the 20km event, the opportunity to race in the capital is one he firmly believes can put racewalking well and truly on the map.

"My race is on a 2k lap, which means I'll have to do ten of those, but in all honesty, I can't wait," said Bosworth.

"My event is often the overlooked event of athletics, but next summer, it certainly won't be anymore. I'm hoping thousands will turn out to cheer me home because it is such an iconic location, possibly the best location that we've ever had a race walk.

"The home World Championships feels like a second Olympics for me, Rio was an amazing experience, I feel like I overachieved, but it's spurred me on to go out there and fight for a medal on home turf in front of the Queen.

"The Olympic Games is always going to be the pinnacle for athletics, but perhaps London 2017 is going to overtake it, and hopefully, if I get the result, it will be the greatest moment of my career to date."

Unlike at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, where track and field events will take place, the racewalk will not be ticketed, with organisers keen to see Londoners in their thousands take to the street, creating an atmosphere much like that seen as the events of London 2012 unfolded.

For Bosworth, British support will be key in getting him across the line, insisting it may well give him the advantage he needs over his counterparts from overseas.

"The fans play one of the most key parts, they will be able to see the entire race because it is on a lap so they will be able to look up and down the course at all times," he said.

"Having that home support and knowing that it is all for you, that's a huge bonus over any other athlete on the course."

Sportsbeat 2016