Rhys Williams (Dan Pfaff) and Gareth Warburton (Darrell Maynard) made it safely through the opening rounds of their European Championships campaign in Helsinki, Finland.

Despite the conditions in the Finnish capital being far from ideal, Team GB hopeful Williams came first in his 400m hurdles heat in a time of 50.44s. The Cardiff AAC athlete was quick to point out what he needs to do in the next rounds if he is to clinch the third 400m hurdles spot in the London 2012 team.

"It's all geared to getting through, I was very nervous after that false start. I have got no choice I have to run faster, you won't win anything running like that. I can't think about it (the Olympics), this is the job in hand. I have to do my best, if I do my best I'm in that team if I don't someone else will beat me to it."

Gareth Warburton went all out in the 800m, dominating his heat and easing into the semi-finals. The North Walian raced in search of the A standard to secure his spot at the Olympic Games but just unfortunately just missed it, finishing in a time of 1:45.80.

"I needed another A standard and that’s what I tried to do – I just missed it by two-tenths, but I couldn’t do much more than I did today and I’ve got another shot at it tomorrow"

“I’ve got to rest up now and do the same again tomorrow! It’s for the Olympics so I’ve got to go for it. Hopefully it'll be a faster race.”

Rhys will compete in the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles tomorrow morning, while Gareth will have to wait until the evening session i order to compete. Tomorrow morning sees also the start of Sally Peake's (Scott Simpson) campaign in the Pole Vault.