Coleshill star Nathan Woodward aims to realise his London 2012 Olympic ambition
NATHAN Woodward will bid for a place in Great Britain's track and field squad for London 2012 this weekend as the Olympic Trials take place in Birmingham.
Coleshill star Woodward has the A qualifying standard for the men's 400m hurdles but must finish in the top two in the national trials at the Alexander Stadium.
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Nathan Woodward
That won't be easy. On times this year, Woodward is ranked fourth in Great Britain behind world champion Dai Greene, European under-23 champion Jack Green and Richard Yates. Rhys Williams also has the A qualifying time.
But Woodward, who competed at the World Championships in Daegu last year, is confident he can make his mark.
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Woodward, who has also been named in a provisional GB squad of 109 athletes for the European Championships in Helsinki, said: "It's nice to have the A standard under my belt, it takes a little bit of the pressure off.
"But I still have to deliver at the trials.
"The strength in depth in my event is incredible really and there are five of us who have the A standard and others with the B standard.
"I personally think it's the highest standard there has ever been for the men's 400m hurdles in Britain.
"For me I look at that in a positive way and it's good to be a part of that competition and hopefully I can thrive off the challenge this weekend."
Woodward believes he can secure a top two place and said: "From my point of view, I feel like I am in the best shape of my life at the moment.
"The last week, running up to the trials, is about fine tuning things and making sure that I am sharp and fresh and as ready as I possibly can be.
"I'm excited about the weekend. Making an Olympic team should never be easy, you wouldn't expect it to be.
"I am probably going to have to run a personal best, or certainly go close to it, to make the top two or three.
"But, as I say, I'm in good shape and ready to execute a good race and hopefully achieve my goal," added Woodward, who will be joined by Tamworth team-mate Tom Burton in the 400m hurdles.
Laura Langowski is also in action this weekend, competing in the 400m.
See next week's Herald for a full round-up of the trials.
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