Okoro relishing chance
Marilyn Okoro plans to put her controversial 800 metres omission behind her and focus on London 2012
Last Updated: 23/07/12 6:21pm
Marilyn Okoro plans to put the controversy of her 800 metres omission behind her to concentrate on the one opportunity she has at London 2012.
The 27-year-old Londoner initially considered retiring after being overlooked by the Great Britain selectors for the home Olympics in her favoured event.
Okoro was one of four female athletes to have achieved the 'A' standard time in the 800m but not make the squad as Lynsey Sharp, despite only having the 'B' standard, was picked on better form.
She has since accepted a place in the squad for the 4x400m relay and withdrawn her threat to quit athletics.
Excited
Okoro said: "I am really excited. It is a bit bitter-sweet for me as obviously I am not competing in my main discipline, but I have still got a fantastic opportunity in the 4x400m.
"It is really exciting, the stadium is amazing and just to see the buzz around Stratford in London, my home town, is really exciting. I want to get out there and be part of Team GB.
"The Olympics is always a major goal for every athlete, this one particularly, being at home.
"We have worked really hard for the last four years and it is nice to be out there and be part of the team. I am going to go out there and give it my all."
Shape
Okoro is pleased with her own form and that of her colleagues at the one-lap distance and believes the team can challenge for glory.
The United States, Russia and Jamaica are all strongly fancied but Okoro has high hopes.
"I am in great shape," she continued. "I have worked really hard this year, consistently under two minutes and that only bodes well for my flat speed as well over the 400.
"We've got a fantastic opportunity with the relay girls and I am really excited.
"You always step on the line and that is the aim. As long as everyone is focused there is no reason why we can't contend for the gold medal."