GWENT 400m star Jamie Baulch admits leaving his long-time coach Linford Christie was one of the hardest decisions of his career, but it is starting to pay dividends.

Baulch, who competes in the world indoor trials this weekend, split from the 100m legend in the summer.

He has joined up with Nigeria's former Olympic 400m champion Innocent Egbunike over in Atlanta, America, leaving behind his two sons and girlfriend.

And despite the fact that 'life after Linford' has its drawbacks he knows he had to move to rescue his flagging career.

He said: "It's been hard because I've had to move to America and be away from family and friends.

"My baby boy is only just one, so I'm missing him growing up and I've had to completely change the way I've trained because it wasn't really working.

"The winter months have been really hard, I've had all the usual tears and sickness that usually happens during those months but whereas before I had people like Darren Campbell and Matt Elias to fall back, on I'm pretty much on my own out there.

"I've got no regrets leaving Linford though and it was probably for the best. "We are still really close friends and speak all the time and he still offers me advice and there is no bad feeling.

"He couldn't really commit to me full-time and at this stage of my career that's what I needed."

Baulch and his new coach have been working specifically on endurance training and building up the slow-twitch muscles.

As a result, Baulch is still lacking a bit of speed but he knows that will come in time.

"It is a long season and is, of course, Olympic year so at this stage it is important to me to do endurance stuff as the speed will come.

"I've probably worked harder this winter then I ever have done before. It's easy for athletes to say that they've been working hard.

"My coach tells me every day that if I do my homework then I'll pass my exams, and trust me I've been revising hard every day.

"I've left no-stone unturned in my preparations and I have no doubts that this will be a good year to me and a lot of that is down to my new coach."