London 2012 Olympics: Upbeat Marilyn Okoro will put 800m woe behind her

Published on 24/07/2012 02:12

Marilyn Okoro intends to put the controversy of her 800 metres omission behind her to concentrate on the one opportunity she does have 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 Scotland’s 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She has since accepted a place in the squad for the 4x400m relay and withdrawn her threat to quit athletics.

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.

“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.”

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.

She said: “I am in great shape. 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. As long as everyone is focused there is no reason why we can’t contend for the gold medal.”