Teen Peacock ready to take on Pistorius

By Nick Clowes, Sportsbeat

WITH the countdown to London 2012 ticking ever closer - teenager Jonathan Peacock faces the biggest test of his fledgling career to date.

RIVAL: South Africa's Oscar Pistorius will be in Jonathan Peacock's sights in Manchester this week (Action Images)

At this week's BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester - Peacock could come face-to-face with legendary disability sprinter Oscar Pistorius - the man dubbed 'blade runner'.

Pistorius' Manchester appearance has been confirmed, although the details of his event schedule at the World Cup have yet to be finalised.

The 23-year-old attracted large-scale media attention during his quest to compete in both the Olympic Games as well as the Paralympics.

But despite Pistorius' obvious talent and pedigree - Peacock is promising not be overwhelmed should the pair clash in Manchester.

"The London 2012 Games I see as a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Peacock.

"It's my focus both long and short term and it is the one competition I would just love to compete at. "Even if I recorded my worst time ever, even if it was the worst I perform at any event in my career and I finish last, I think I will still say that just competing in London will be the highlight of my career.

"In terms of the overall experience in Manchester, it's really important to me to be competing in this competition.

"Realistically I won't win a medal and I might not beat any of the other runners, but it would just be great to try and achieve my personal best time.

"I've only been involved in the sport for a year, so it really is just about getting the experience of competing at a big event.

"It's great to be running against athletes like Oscar Pistorius just because of who he is and what he's done for the sport."