Now is the time to turn potential into prizes, according to sprint sensation CJ Ujah.
The Enfield and Haringey AC sprinter was awarded the third discretionary spot in the Team GB squad for the 100m at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which get underway on Friday, and is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
Ujah needed the selectors’ approval after failing to make the top two at the Olympic trials earlier this month, but with three qualifying standards already run this year, the selectors had little hesitation in naming him alongside James Dasaolu and James Ellington on the plane to Rio.
Now, with a first Olympic Games just days away, Ujah has set his sights firmly on the final in Brazil.
“Top six in the final would be success for me. Time is all well and good, but positions matter in the championships,” said the 22-year-old.
“This is the year for me to be pushing on to making finals. If I can get to a final then anything is possible.
“I know the magic number to make the final, but I am going to keep that to myself. I’m confident I can produce it on the day, though.
“I wouldn’t want to be selected if I didn’t feel I could do it. I want to do my country proud and make the final.”
Should the selectors have needed any more convincing of Ujah’s talent, he gave them a timely reminder by anchoring the Great Britain team to gold in the 4x100m at the European Championships in Amsterdam last month.
With a first senior medal now under his belt, Ujah is focussed on success in Rio and will not let outside distractions alter his path to glory – calling on a double Olympic medallist along the way.
“I’m going to talk to my mentor, Darren Campbell, so hopefully he can give me some good advice,” added Ujah.
“He has been very successful at the Olympic Games so I’ll listen to what he has got to say and what my coach has got to say, but I don’t need too many people in my ear before I compete.”
By Phil Jones, Sportsbeat
Sportsbeat 2016