Birmingham, UK - Olympic sprint relay gold medallist Jason Gardener will begin his Commonwealth Games countdown with two appearances  in the UK indoor season, firstly at the Norwich Union International in Glasgow on 28 January 2006, and three weeks later at the Norwich Union Grand Prix in Birmingham on Saturday 18 February.

The reigning World Indoor champion and three-time European Indoor 60m gold medallist has made himself available for selection for the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland team in the match against Sweden, Italy, Russia and a Commonwealth Select side, at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow on 28 January.

"I want to get off to a strong start in 2006 so I'll be looking for a good win at the Norwich Union International in Glasgow. After a hard winter's training it'll be great to get back to competition, because that's the most enjoyable part of what I do.”

With less than four weeks before the start of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, Gardener will then take on a strong field in the 60m at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena for the IAAF indoor permit meeting.
 
"The Norwich Union Grand Prix in Birmingham is always a tough test. It's only a few weeks before the Commonwealth Games and it will be good to take part in such a competitive race before I go out to Australia. The atmosphere at the NIA is always fantastic and I really enjoy running there."

Despite his indoor sprinting accolades the Bath sprinter still has something to prove outdoors and is clear about his aims for 2006. “I want to win some medals in the 100 metres. My major target will be to do well in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. Both championships will be extremely tough, but if I can improve upon my performances from last year I will be in a position to challenge for medals.”