Shakes-Drayton ready for dress rehearsal

Perri Shakes-Drayton has confirmed she will compete at the Aviva London Grand Prix in July and use it as a "dress rehearsal" for the Olympics.

The European 400 metres hurdles bronze medallist, also a key member of Great Britain's 4x400m relay team, will take on many of her Olympic rivals in the capital on July 13.

"The Aviva London Grand Prix is like a mini Olympics, all the big names will be there, so it's the perfect dress rehearsal for the Games in August," she said.

"It gives me a chance to suss out my rivals and put some plans into practice.

"I've been in the world's top 10 for two years now and I want to start challenging the best."

Shakes-Drayton has enjoyed a good start to 2012, winning relay gold at the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul in March.

The east Londoner added: "My gold medal at the World Indoors has given me a lot of confidence and I'm looking forward to the amazing summer ahead, but it'll be tough.

"My Olympic dream is to make the final of the 400m hurdles and medal in the 4x400m. I'm feeling in really good shape after the winter, everything has gone well and I feel strong and ready to get out there and compete."