By Andrew Baber

BROMLEY hurdler Alex Al-Ameen is targeting the 2013 world championships in Moscow after the crushing disappointment of missing out on his Olympic dream.

The 23-year-old finished fifth in the final of the 110m hurdles at the Aviva Olympic trials in Birmingham, running his second personal best of the weekend in the process.

While it was not enough to secure a place at the London Olympic Games, Al-Ameen was content with his performance in a fast race following an injury-plagued 2011.

The former Middlesex University student says narrowly missing out on a place at London 2012 has made him redouble his efforts to qualify for the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in two years time.

“My aim now is to make the top two in the country and get the qualifying standard for the world championships in Moscow, and then beyond that the Commonwealth Games in 2014,” said Al-Ameen, who shares a coach with world championship bronze medallist Andy Turner.

“My season has gone well as I have been able to run relatively injury-free, which was a relief after spending a season and a half out with a hamstring injury.

“I feel my training has gone well this year and I have had no major injuries except for a few niggles.

“My racing has also been good and I have run three PBs recently, including two at the Olympic trials.

“I was happy to come fifth in the final of the trials as it was a very fast 110m hurdle final and everyone was very close to each other going over the line.

“I thought I had an outside chance of grabbing an Olympic place before the trials, but I just didn’t run fast enough at the right time.”

The athlete from Meadow Road, Bromley, was also unfortunate to miss out on going to Europeans, with his fastest times coming at the Olympic trials - after the team had been selected.

Al-Ameen, who benefits from being a member of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme, says he knows what he needs to do to become one of the top two 110m hurdlers in the country.

“I know what I need to do now to improve my time and be up there with the best, as currently my technique is not as good as the guys who beat me at the trials,” admitted Al-Ameen, who is working as a personal trainer to fund his athletics career.

“I am also not as quick on the floor, but I am strong and powerful, so I just need to work on my speed and I should see my times drop further and put me in the position I want to be in.

“One of my main problems though is that the four athletes who came above me just run and train as they are sponsored, whereas I am going to have to get a job and take time out of my training.

“I have funded myself, but if I could find another sponsor it would help a great deal and make my life a lot easier and allow me to achieve what I want to achieve.”

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, provides support and funding to 346 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond.

Since 2008, the programme has supported 1,000 athletes.

Follow future stars at facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes

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