TOKYO — Tyri Donovan is a casual singer-songwriter in his spare time, and the British hurdler is hitting the right notes on his international debut at the World Athletics Championships.

The Windsor native, who has a university degree in literature and has also studied Mandarin and Japanese translation, is appearing in Tokyo after a breakthrough year aged 26.

He continued his late-blooming success in his first appearance at the championships, qualifying for the 400m hurdles semifinals on Monday in a personal-best time of 48.26sec.

Donovan finished second in his heat after a last-gasp dive for the line, and said he is ready to bring that same energy to Wednesday's semifinal.

"That's what the sport's about, being gutsy, trying to be brave, and that's what I've been working on this summer," he said.

"I'm new to the squad, and everyone's been so welcoming and kind, and it really settled me in to get into that environment and perform."

Donovan's career was interrupted by a serious injury and he is making the most of his time with the British team.

He said he wanted to "take everything in my stride, no pun intended", as he soaks up the experience in Tokyo.

Japan has a special place in his heart, having studied the country's language and taken translation classes.

"Everything from coming out here to represent my country, being in what I believe is the most beautiful country in the world and being able to be part of the culture, and experience it firsthand is incredible," he said.

"That's what the sport can do for you."

Donovan has been playing guitar and writing songs since he was a child, and has performed at open mic nights.

It is a pastime more than a serious career move.

"I have no published work, so I'm a little bit embarrassed to put that out in public, but it's a detachment from the sport," he said.

"I've always been enthused by languages and songwriting," he said.

"It's somewhere where I can get away from the sport if the lows come by."

AFP