CHRIS RAWLINSON

©Press Association

WEEK 4
Date: August 18

Trials and tribulations of getting to Sydney

Finally, the Olympic trials arrived, and that decides whether you're on the plane to Sydney or watching it on BBC. I know where I'd rather be.

One of my training partners was in action on the first night and he made easy work of qualifying for the 400 metres semi-finals. I can already feel feel the pressure mounting as four years of hard work balance on one weekend and, in particular, one race.

Saturday morning arrived. Firstly a good breakfast because I'm not running until well into the afternoon and I won't get the chance to eat again between now and then.

I sat with Jared Deacon at the table discussing what had happened the night before and who were the main contenders in his event. Jared had the qualifying mark for the 400 metres but he knew all too well the hard task that lay ahead.

I sat there glad that I wasn't in his shoes, as for me qualification was a lot easier. He had six or seven guys that could make the team. I, on the other hand, had only three real competitors for a place on the team. That's the luck of the draw.

At 3.30pm it was time for my heat. Twenty minutes later I knew I would be in lane 3 for the final. Jared made it through for the final, this was just as I had hoped an easy qualification. Jared also made it through to the final of his event, but he wasn't happy about the way things went.

All the pressures associated with qualifying can affect performance and I think this is what happened to him.

Finals day. The weather was awful. It was wet and windy, a typical English summer really. Jared was first to run in the 400 metre final. Because I was getting ready for my race, I didn't see what happened. All I knew is that he had finished fifth.

Now it was my turn and I was the favourite. To cut a long story short, I won and generally the race was fine. As usual though, my laziness got the better of me during the later stages and I eased down too much.

I need the big races to get the best out of me if you know what I mean. Finally, after four years of hard work I was on my way to Sydney.

Words can't describe my emotions at the moment so I won't try. Needless to say I'm a happy chappy. Jared on the other hand is at the mercy of the selectors for a relay spot. I've got my fingers crossed for him. I personally think he's too valuable a team member to leave out.

What's next? Well, I'm in Monte Carlo this weekend, battling with the big boys on the Golden League circuit. The mission is to let them know who's boss.

Read Chris's diary for WEEK 1 ...

Read Chris's diary for WEEK 2 ...

Read Chris's diary for WEEK 3 ...

Read Chris's diary for WEEK 5 ...