I’M back and ready for selection was the loud and clear message from Ben Jefferies after his stunning performance at the Novuna UK Athletics Championships.

After flying back from his American base for the championships, the Bristol & West AC athlete produced the best race of his life to finish runner-up in the 400m in a lifetime best of 44.66ecs.

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It was his second PB of the weekend, having first posted 45.58secs in his heat. He then dipped inside 45 seconds for the first time in his career to finish runner-up to UK and European 400m record holder and 2024 Olympic Games silver medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith.

“It didn’t go too badly, did it?” said Jefferies. “It was a really fun weekend and the UK Champs was the one place where I could guarantee a good performance like that would turn heads, like I did two years ago when I got into the relay team for the Olympics.

“That was my goal coming back and I think I achieved that.”

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: (L-R) Silver medallist Ben Jefferies of Bristol & West AC, Gold medallist Matthew Hudson-Smith of Birchfield Harriers, and Bronze medallist Charlie Dobson of Colchester Harriers AC, pose for a photo as they celebrate with their nations flag after the Men's 400 m Final during day two of the UK Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images) -Credit:Getty Images

And some. The time propels Jefferies to second on the UK Rankings behind Hudson-Smith but ahead of Charlie Dobson and puts him in a strong position to win a place in the GB team for the European Championships, in Birmingham, from August 10-16.

The prize of a berth in the 4x400m relay squad seems certain, but on his form last weekend he also deserves a GB debut for the individual 400m as well.

“My goal was to get an individual place in the 400m for the Europeans plus the relay,” added Jefferies.

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“Hopefully the selectors can’t ignore me now but until it is official we’ll have to wait and see.”

For now, Jefferies will be back into training from his base in Coalpit Heath and he is waiting to hear whether he can get a run in the Diamond League fixture at the London Stadium on July 18.

“Otherwise, I’m pumping the brakes on not racing too much as I have a wining formula now and that is not to race too often, that works for me,” added Jefferies.

“I had this conversation with the GB selectors at Birmingham and they were very supportive.

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“It is very exciting times for me now, and hopefully there is more improvement to come.”

There was also a silver meal for B&W’s Will Battershill in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, but he missed the European qualifying standard. Also at Birmingham, it was great to see junior athletes Holly Sanigar and Eleanor McIntosh running PBs, with Sanigar clocking 2:07.52 in the heats of the 800m and McIntosh recording 53.67secs in the heats of the 400m.