Woodward aims to realise his London 2012 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.
Tamworth AC running star Woodward has the A qualifying time for the men's 400m hurdles but must finish in the top two in the national trials at the Alexander Stadium.
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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