OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Clarke admits he didn't feel right running in 110m hurdles final

By Paul Smith, Sportsbeat, London 2012

WHEN Lawrence Clarke lined up to take his place at the start of the London 2012 Olympic 110m hurdles final, he admits he felt as if he didn't belong there.

MODEST: Despite Lawrence Clarke's sensational PB in the semi-finals, he still couldn't believe he qualified for the 110m hurdles final

Going into the Games, Clarke's aim was to reach the semi-final stage, as he looked upon the event as a chance of gaining experience for Rio in four years’ time.

But a personal best 13.31 seconds in the semi-finals qualified him for a shot at a medal as a fastest loser.

He actually ran a slower time in the final, clocking 13.39 seconds, but managed fourth place behind the American one-two of Aries Merritt and Jason Richardson, and Jamaica's Hansle Parchment, who claimed bronze.

"When I came out to the track there was the most unbelievable noise, the crowd was absolutely insane," said 22-year-old Clarke.

"I was out in lane two and I remember looking to the right and seeing all of the best hurdlers there has ever been, all of my idols and heroes and thinking what am I doing here?

"I just felt like I was totally out of place until I thought, do as well as you can.

"I can't believe I finished fourth, I really can't.

"I clashed arms with the guy next to me which was a bit of a disappointment because I feel like I could have run a personal best.

"But to come fourth in the Olympic Games is very surreal."

© Sportsbeat 2012