CHRISTIAN Malcolm has admitted being inducted into the Welsh Athletics Hall of Fame was something he never expected when setting out in the sport as a youngster.

The retired Newport sprinter, a veteran of four Olympic Games, was one of three inductees at the Welsh Athletics annual awards dinner, which this year took place at Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel.

Ruth Swinhoe, the first Welsh woman to win a medal at a major athletics championships when she took Commonwealth Games long jump bronze in 1974, was also recognised for her achievements.

So too was 1948 Olympics marathon silver medallist Tom Richards, who was the recipient of the Posthumous Award.

For Malcolm, 37, induction into the Hall of Fame comes two years after hanging up his spikes following a track career that saw him claim medals at world, European and Commonwealth level.

Four years ago he competed in his fourth Olympics to equal the record for a Welsh athlete held by fellow Hall of Fame member Colin Jackson.

“It is a great honour to be inducted into the Welsh Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Malcolm. “You’ve got the likes of Lynn Davies, Colin Jackson and Steve Jones in there, so it’s great to be in that company.

“It’s something that I never ever thought would happen as a youngster – I didn’t think I would reach those levels.”

He added: “Retiring was hard. I have found it really difficult, but to get an award like this only a couple of years after I finished is nice, and it’s a good reminder of what I have achieved.”

Since retiring Malcolm has become coach to the British sprint relay teams and set up his own academy to nurture the sporting stars of tomorrow.

Reflecting on Rio, where the women’s 4x100m team won bronze, the Welshman admits not competing was strange.

“The Rio experience was good,” he said. “It was difficult going to my first Olympics on the other side of things as a coach. During the first few days I still thought I was competing.”