Thomas up against it

Former Commonwealth 400m champion Iwan Thomas has admitted that he needs a "miracle" to make the Olympic Games.

12:37 09 July 2004

Former Commonwealth 400m champion Iwan Thomas has admitted that he needs a "miracle" to make the Olympic Games.

The Welshman has been racked with injury since winning both the European and Commonwealth gold in 1998, with an ankle problem sidelining him for 12 months.

And after he suffered a ruptured tendon in his leg last month his hopes of making the Great Britain team for Athens looked extremely remote.

But the 30-year-old is determined to at least try and edge his way into the squad at this weekend's trials, despite admitting he is only 60 per cent fit.

"The trials have come a few weeks too early," said Thomas.

"I'm not going to shy away from my fate but, really, I'm putting my pride aside to run in the trials.

"I'm hoping that I can at least make the relay team, and I honestly believe that if I do that I can get the qualifier before the July 19th deadline."

Tim Benjamin and Daniel Caines have already claimed two of the three places for the one-lap event, leaving Thomas needing to beat countrymen Jamie Baulch and Matt Elias, amongst others for the final place.

He would then have to reach the Olympic qualifying time for the event, which could prove a problem for someone who has only just returned to training.