By DAVID COULTER david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk

Published at 09:11, Monday, 06 August 2012

HEXHAM runner Nick McCormick is in the shape of his life and is raring to make his Olympic debut.

House that? Mavis and Alan McCormick show their support for their son Nick, who is competing in the Olympic 5000 metres in London 2012, by decorating their home in Hexham. Photo D3112109 5

The determined 30-year-old aims to make the final of the 5000m at the London 2012 Games, confident he can progress past the first round next Wednesday morning.

The former Tynedale Harrier has battled many injuries over his career, and has now achieved his lifelong goal of qualifying for the Olympics.

While acknowledging earning a place in the Games is an excellent achievement, Nick is planning on ruffling a few feathers by making next Saturday’s final.

After finishing second in the Olympic Trials in Birmingham to secure his Olympic berth, Nick was whisked to Font Romeu, in the Pyrenees, in France, for some altitude training.

And he feels fighting fit after his spell there, buzzing to put on his Team GB kit and perform in front of the home crowd.

He said: “I don’t think the altitude training was a risk because I have run great since then, and it was brilliant to be there with people I will be competing against, such as Mo Farah and some USA athletes.

“I have trained all my life for the Olympics and I will be nervous in the race, but you have got to go for it and give it your best.

“I am in the best shape I have been in and I have thoroughly prepared for the race, so it is the best shot I have ever had.”

Now that Nick can tick off the goal of appearing at the Olympics, he is now targeting a place in the final.

And he is determined to turn this dream into reality.

“First of all, it is about my heat and getting through that and into the final. I definitely believe I can do it and I am not just here for the experience!”

Since booking his Olympic place, the support Nick has received from the Tynedale public has inspired him further.

His parents Alan and Mavis have decorated their Hexham home in Union Flags, and this is just some of the positive messages Nick has been getting as they will him on to do well.

“It has been overwhelming and I know a lot of people in the Hexham and Tynedale area who have given fantastic support because they realise what a big deal the Olympics is.

“After the Games, I am looking forward to coming back to Hexham and doing stuff with the schools and preparing for my Great North Run.”

Nick will be in first round action on Wednesday at 10.45am, and will move on to next Saturday’s final at 7.30pm if he achieves his goal.

Meanwhile, Laura Weightman, an adopted Tynedale athlete after her summers spent training in Hexham under Wall resident Steve Cram, will also make her Olympic debut next week.

On Monday, she will compete in the first round of the 1500m at 11.45am. Ultimately an unknown quantity, she has a good chance of progressing to Wednesday’s semi-finals and even the final on Friday evening.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk