Bermuda’s top sprinter Tre Houston has relocated to his namesake city in the United States as he looks to get his athletics career back on the right track.

In need of a fresh start and change of scenery after suffering a stop-start 2013 season, Houston has moved to Houston, Texas, as he steps up his preparations for next summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

“Things are going well here in Texas,” Houston told The Royal Gazette. “The reason why I chose Texas is because it’s a very solid training group with a great coach for me to reach the next level.

“I’m now in a group where it’s very competitive, which is something I’ve been missing these last few years.”

The 23-year-old spent the entirety of last season in Bermuda after returning home from London where he had spent the previous two years training at a renowned sprint stable.

Starved of meaningful meets and training by himself for much of the season, Houston had started to cut a frustrated figure until claiming a sprint double at the NatWest Island Games in July, setting competition record in both events.

Houston now hopes to build on his successful Games, where also ran his fastest 100 metres time (10.34 seconds), and achieve his ambitious goals for the coming season.

“Last season was tough but I knew my coach De-Von Bean would take care of me, so it was really nothing to worry about,” he said.

“Sometimes setbacks can lead to greater opportunities, so at the end of the day I’m glad I did came come back home as De-Von helped bring me to my best time ever in the 100 metres.

“As far as pre-season training, it’s been very tough these past few weeks, learning new things on the track and weight room, but it’s all been good preparation for me.

“I will be setting some high goals for this coming season, having already qualifying for next year’s Commonwealth Games where Usain Bolt will be competing.”

Under the guidance of his new coach Eric Francis, Houston has been training alongside promising sprinters such as Antoine Adams of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Adams helped his country win bronze in the 4x100 metres relays at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Prior to heading to Texas, Houston spent several months working as a personal trainer at Evolution Gym in St David’s, to ease the financial burden of relocating to Texas.

He has also received cash support from family, friends and Somers Supermarket and Selena’s restaurant both in St George’s.