Cook Islands middle distance champion Alex Beddoes has now set his eyes on winning gold at the 2023 Pacific Games that is to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in November.

This comes after Beddoes completed a sensational run at the 2023 World Champions in Budapest clocking 1.48.31 in the 800m event.

In an interview with Athletics Cook Islands, Beddoes said: “I think all things considered…I felt pretty good. I was glad that I was in contact until about 1.20 to go but yeah it was still a good race.”

Beddoes said it is always tough racing some who are the best in the world.

“And I think if I can, as long as I am up there with them then it is pretty good for me. I am happy…”

Beddoes who recently won the 800m finals at the 4J Senior Scottish Athletics National Championships in Aberdeen had a hamstring injury before taking part in the Budapest event.

He said the hamstring injury was not ideal but he just managed to do what he could in the last week.

“It has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but we got here and managed to do a good job.”

And now Beddoes takes a week’s break before he focuses on the 2023 Pacific Games.

“All my focus is going to be towards the Pacific Games. And that’s what I’m really keen for, to perform and that’s only like a couple of months away.”

He is part of Cook Islands team to the Pacific Games and aims to bring home three gold medals.

Beddoes made his debut in the 2013 Pacific Mini Games in Wallis and Futuna.

In 2017 he won a gold medal for the 800 metre at the Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila and gold medals in the 800m and 1500m in the 2019 Apia Pacific Games.

In an earlier report Beddoes said: “I am looking forward to being back, I was in Samoa the last time it’s been four years. I am looking to have fun, make the most of it, the Pacific Games is our game, and we enjoy it.”

He said he would tell athletes who will be part of the Cook Islands team to the Pacific Games to enjoy the experience, do the best they can and don’t overthink.