Award season for Bolarinwa but 2012 dominates his thoughts

Posted: Saturday 22nd October 2011 | 15:58

DAVID Bolarinwa might be in the running to add to his collection of silverware but he insists there is only one prize on his mind right now - London 2012 selection.

THINKING BIG: David Bolarinwa has set his sights on earning selection for next year's Olympic Games in London

After claiming two medals at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010 Bolarinwa more than backed up those displays with European junior 200m gold this summer.

Those performances have not gone unnoticed with the powers that be at UKA with a panel including the strategic head of coaching Kevin Tyler shortlisting Bolarinwa to receive the Spar Sprints Stars Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award.

Bolarinwa will go head-to-head with fellow impressive rookies Danny Talbot and Andy Pozzi for the award - which will bag the 18-year-old a £1,000 prize.

But, despite the cash on offer, Bolarinwa is adamant it is bagging a spot at next year's Olympics, not boosting his bank balance, that is top of his agenda at present.

"It would be nice to win the award but I am not thinking about it too much," said Bolarinwa - who also claimed European junior 100m bronze and 4x100m relay silver.

"And I am not too worried if I win it or not because I feel like just being nominated for it is a good achievement in itself,"

"I am in fantastic shape at the minute heading into the winter and I am feeling really good about trying to get into the squad for the Olympics next year.

"The guys that are in the senior British team at the minute are running 10.1 seconds over 100m and I am running 10.2 seconds and I am only 17.

"So I am confident I can keep improving and try and get into the 2012 squad either in the relay or hopefully in the individual.

"I am doing some new things in the gym and working on some different things and I should be in the best shape of my life next year."

But, while he was quick to insist winning the award is not the be-all and end-all of his season, Bolarinwa believes he has done everything he can this season to justify his nomination.

"I think I had a good season this year in terms of coming back from injury in the indoor season to run well outdoors," he added.

"I feel like I achieved everything that I wanted to and hopefully I can do the same next year by working hard in the winter."

Brought to you by SPAR, Official Sponsors of UK Athletics, for more information visit www.spar.co.uk/vote