Achike's double bid
Two-time Olympic finalist Larry Achike is balancing coaching students with his own 2012 Olympic bid.
By Emma Bird
Last Updated: 27/02/12 5:25pm
With the Olympic Games now only five months away, preparations are stepping up in every corner of UK athletics.
There have already been numerous test events in Olympic sports, helping to establish where the London organisers are with the Games- time process.
However there are still significant events to come and one in particular is to be held in a special location.
The BUCS Visa Outdoor Athletics Championships will take place in the Olympic Stadium from 4-7 May, acting as the official athletics test event for the London Olympics.
For Larry Achike, twice Olympic finalist and one of Team GB's triple jumpers, this event will have an even greater significance, as he will be there to cheer on some of his prodigies from Brunel University.
Opportunity
Aiming to compete himself this summer in London, Achike coaches both the long and triple jump events and believes that the event in May is a "fantastic opportunity" for all involved.
He told Sky Sports: "Not very many people are going to get that opportunity to go out and compete in the Olympic stadium.
"I know the places are going to be very limited and I am hoping all my athletes can go there-I know they are all looking forward to competing in the Olympic stadium."
Having competed at both the Sydney (2000) and Beijing (2008) Olympic Games, the triple-jumper continues to be coached by Frank Attoh, the man who has coached him for over 18 years.
The expertise Achike has picked up from his own coach is paying dividends as he develops the UK's future athletic talent.
At the BUCS Indoor Championships in Sheffield at the weekend, this winning formula was on show, with five medallists for Brunel in the men and women's triple and long jump fields.
The 37-year old is now looking at finding sponsors to help him focus on his own Olympic bid.
He said: "Training is going well, everything is in place, so fingers crossed I can stay injury-free and look forward to the summer."
