BOLTON'S latest Olympic hopeful has until Sunday to earn himself a dream place in Athens.
Chris Mulvaney produced one of the surprises of the Olympic trials, at Manchester on Sunday, when a blistering finish saw him race clear of his rivals in the 1500m.
But if the 22-year-old United States college based student wants a ticket to Athens, he has to gain the qualifying time of 3-36-2.
Mulvaney's best time this season is 3-40, which he recorded a couple weeks ago at a windy Gateshead, but he is confident that he can make the time, if only he can find a race that will be fast enough.
"I have not been in a fast race this year and so I have never been tested, but I know I am capable of getting the qualifying time," said the Heaton runner.
"There is a race in Madrid on Friday, which UK Athletics are trying to get me in, but if not I will run at a meeting in Cardiff, although the pacemakers there will not be as fast.
"But if I don't get in the Olympic team, it is no big deal because I have had a fantastic year. I won the USA Collegiate championship and have now added the AAA's title at my first attempt.
"The race went according to plan. It was a slow pace so I knew it was going to be a fast finish. It was just a case of being able to find another gear for the finish."
Mulvaney, who is a member of Border Harriers, a legacy of when he used to live in the Lake District, was an unknown quantity after spending the last three years at university in Arkansas.
"It has made a big difference training in the States as the facilities and training partners have been superb.
"It has been a hard season , but it is a good feeling winning and it gives you a boost. I hope to gain selection for the Great Britain team some time this year, but will just enjoy the rest of the season."
Darren Campbell's anxious 36-hour wait over Olympic selection ended when he was included in the Great Britain team for both the 100 and 200 metres.
The 200m silver medallist of 2000 pulled out of the final of the longer sprint at the British trials after suffering a rib injury when he fell at the end of the 100m final.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article