Lancashire ready to shine

Tom Lancashire admits he's heading into the "unknown" but is confident he can spring a surprise and perhaps even bring home a medal for Great Britain.

The 23-year-old heads into his first Olympic Games on the back of an encouraging season which has seen him become the British 1500metres champion while he also set a huge personal best of three minutes 35.33 seconds during his Bislett Games triumph back in June.

Viewed as one to watch in the future, Lancashire hopes he won't be too overwhelmed by the Beijing experience and instead believes it will bring the best out of him and inspire him to progress through the rounds.

"The bit I'm looking forward to most is also the bit I'm dreading most - stepping out onto the track in the stadium. It's going to be amazing but I don't know what to expect.

"You see it on TV and read about it - I just don't know how I'll react. Hopefully it will be in a good way and I can run well. I think it will sink in a lot more when I'm there and realise the full scale of the operation.

"At the moment I'm just excited and heading into the unknown of what's going to happen out there.

"I'm going to try and not worry about the stage it's on and approach it the same way I do every race."

No need to wait

The Bolton Harrier, who has a European Junior silver medal to his name, is realistic about what he achieve at this stage in his career but sees no reason why he can't make a name for himself sooner than expected.

He said: "I try not to over analyses things and just go out there and do my job and that's what I'm going to do in Beijing.

"First of all I'm focusing on the first race and getting out of the heats. I think anything else after that will be a massive bonus.

"I'm capable of reaching the final but it will take a couple of great runs from me and a bit of luck. If I can get myself there then anything can happen. I'd definitely like to make that final. My best is good enough to be there.

"I've proved my worth in the team and have run consistently all year and if I go out there and do my best then nobody can ask anymore. That's all I'm trying to do."

With plenty of other bright prospects in Team GB, Lancaster feels he has been slightly overlooked by the experts.

"There's a lot of people who are capable of getting medals that not many have predicted. I'm an outside shot at getting a medal but noone has mentioned me in that way.

"So there will be a few surprises and hopefully all good ones."

Team ethic

Lancashire, who studied exercise science at Florida State University, believes his time in America emphasised the importance of working together as a team and believes the presence of the experienced Andy Baddeley will be a great source of encouragement.

He said: "It's nice to be going out there with Andy in the same event and I'm sure we can help each other out a lot.

"I've been out in America for a few years and it's very much a team orientated thing at university there and it definitely helps a lot."

Inspiration

One of Lancashire's sporting idols is middle-distance legend Hicham El Guerrouj but he's also hoping he can one day emulate the likes of British heroes Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram.

He said: "During my time in athletics definitely Hicham El Guerrouj has been a massive influence in middle distance running. I watched him win the double 1,500m and 5k in the Olympics and that was a big inspirational moment for me.

"And of course the British history is very strong and that pushes me on a bit."

Lancashire is fortunate to have plenty of support from outside his own country and feels they can all play a part in propelling him to stardom

He said: "Since the trials I've received so much support from relatives and friends all brought together by what I'm doing.

"I've got a lot of friends in America and in Mauritius, where my mum's from. So I'll be thinking of all those people round the world watching me. That will definitely spur me on a lot."

Given his age and obvious potential, it's no surprise to see people talking up his medal chances in four years time but Lancashrie admits he just can't afford to think about all that now.

He said: "I'm not so much thinking of London 2012 because I'm focusing on these Games and doing as well as I can.

"But I've definitely got high hopes for myself and it will be the right time in my life. I see myself doing well there and doing Britain proud."