SWANSEA Harrier Morgan Atkins went back to the drawing board earlier this season — and the 16-year-old pole vaulter has now vowed to show the leaps forward he's made.

Atkins has been no stranger to the podium in 2010, having won silver at the Welsh Schools' Championships and the Welsh Under-13 and Under-17 championships.

He also improved his personal best by 10cm when he vaulted 3.20m to win a Welsh Junior Cup qualifier earlier this month.

This was a far cry from the heights he was recording earlier in the year, and the Swansea Harrier insists it is all down to an injury setback that proved to be a blessing in disguise.

"I had a few injury problems early in the season, just some pretty standard pole vault problems with muscles in my back and shoulders," he said.

"It wasn't too serious a problem, it's a pretty generic pole vaulter's injury, but it stalled the start of my season a bit.

"But having the injury allowed me to look a little bit at my technique and how I was jumping, which has benefited me.

"It's a very technical sport and I came into it later than some competitors, so it is essential that I carry on working to improve my technique.

"I had to rebuild a lot of what I had done during the past year, but I'm happy now that I'm in a better place than I was then.

"This year has been a good one in terms of improving and putting a bit more onto my PB and I'd love to improve that."

Atkins is set for his debut at the UK School Games this weekend in Gateshead.

"I've competed in a Welsh vest before, earlier this year in Glasgow at the Aviva Schools International which was an amazing experience and I can't wait to do it again," he added.

"It should be another step up in terms of level of competition for me."

The Sainsbury's UK School Games is managed by the Youth Sport Trust. For more information visit www.youthsporttrust.org