Due to a string of unfortunate injuries and ill health, three long years have passed since Max Burgin has been able to compete prior to the national championships, but now having enjoyed a superb start to his 2025 summer campaign, the 800m Olympic finalist is poised to further make his mark on the world stage as one of Britain’s brightest prospects in this world championship year.

The 23-year-old Halifax Harrier has sensationally improved his two-lap best by 1.14-seconds this season to clock 1:42.36 – the third-fastest time in British history – to assert himself as a potential medal contender for September’s World Championships in Tokyo, and Burgin is understandably delighted:

“I’m very pleased with this season so far and very happy I’ve managed to have a consistent series of races – it’s the first time I’ve had that in several years, so I do hope I’m now ready for something big, there’s hopefully something coming soon,” he revealed.

Guided by his father, Ian at their Leeds base, Burgin scorched to his impressive lifetime best en-route to a third-place finish at the Novuna London Athletics Meet and Diamond League earlier this month, raising more than a few eyebrows in the process:

“I’ve made a big jump in my personal best this year and London was brilliant – it was a fast track but the conditions weren’t perfect and it wasn’t the best race for me, I’ve identified from it where I can still improve,” explained Burgin.

Having opened his season with a then-personal best of 1:43.34 in the Rabat Diamond League in May, the Yorkshireman followed the performance up with a 1:43.61 clocking in the Paris Diamond League, before stamping his authority in the British capital – achievements which are all the more impressive considering Burgin tore his calf back in March, resulting in a month away from running:

“This year is very exciting for me – I’ve learned a lot from the injury setbacks; a nerve issue, my Achilles and having Deep Vein Thrombosis,” he revealed.

“I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been partly because of those setbacks, and they were actually tremendous for keeping me going – I always knew there was no need to worry. Last year, I was running with pain so now I know I can deal with anything.”

Burgin’s breakthrough performance was arguably a fine eighth-place finish in Paris’ Olympic final last summer and the realisation of a career dream certainly inspired him for future major championships:

“Paris was an amazing experience – even coming last was impressive as I was an Olympic finalist and that’s what every athlete wants,” he explained.

“It’s hard to put it into words and it was a massive confidence boost for me, and has made me want to do better in Tokyo and beyond.”

But before his seat on the plane to Japan is confirmed, the 2018 European under-18 champion must first qualify for the British team at this weekend’s Novuna UK Athletics Championships in Birmingham (August 2-3).

The 2022 UK outdoor champion gave his thoughts on the event:

“It’s an integral part of every athlete’s calendar as it’s the big one for making sure you make it to the championships – it’s such a big fixture in everyone’s mind as it feels like so much is riding on it,” said Burgin.

“I have plenty of good memories from this event – I’ve always produced good performances there and had some memorable races.”

On the championships heading to Alexander Stadium for the first time in several years and on how competitive his event will be, the 2024 silver-medallist continued:

“It will be interesting to have the champs in such a big stadium, it will probably feel like a big championship because of that.

“And we’ve seen many times in the men’s 800m that sometimes it doesn’t exactly go to plan – there are something like 15 lads who have run sub 1:46 this year so the heats will be difficult.

“You may have to run 1:44 or 1:45 just to make it through, which is reflective of a major international championship’s first round. It’s great it will be so competitive, I always get very nervous but I will stay relaxed and just get on with my build-up.”

With his eyes firmly fixed on the global prize, Burgin is of course also tempted by the 2026 European championships which are coming to Birmingham next summer:

“Birmingham 2026 is certainly in the plan – I’ve never been to a home major championships so I’ll be sure to make that the centerpiece of my season and I’d love to win there or get a medal,” he revealed.

But first, the mouth-watering lure of finally realising his true potential in his first injury-free summer in years – and that is most certainly an extremely exciting prospect for Burgin:

“In Tokyo, I want to improve on Paris – I’m in a much better position than I was last year so who knows, even a British record could pop up while I’m challenging for a place in the final – I know I’ve got every chance to do something special,” he calmly and confidently said.

The Novuna UK Athletics Championships heads to the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham between 2-3 August as the nation’s best athletes battle for national titles and spots on the team for this year’s World Athletics Championships. Expect world-class performances, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Tickets are on sale now from £20 adults / £10 under-16s. Don’t miss it!