Basingstoke and Mid Hants athlete Ben Pattison is buzzing for his first Olympic appearance after securing gold medal in the 800m at the British Athletics Championships last weekend.
The 22-year-old from Hook, who has dreamt of competing in the Olympics since he was 10, will be heading to Paris at the end of July.
"It's what I've been targeting since I was 10-years-old," Pattison told Athletics Weekly after his win in the British Championships.
"Everyone's been saying Paris would probably be my first Olympics, and for that to be true now is a dream come true. We've got such a strong team, so I can't wait to get out there."
Ben Pattison
READ MORE: Ben Pattison achieves bronze in World Championships
Pattison, who already has a World Championship bronze medal to his name from the 800m race in Budapest last year, is a serious contender for Team GB in Paris.
He solidified his position as Team GB's best 800m runner with a time of 1:45.49 at the British Championships.
There was drama in the men's final as reigning world champion in the 1500m, Josh Kerr, took a tumble while attempting to overtake Elliot Giles on the inside in the closing stages. Thankfully, Kerr was unharmed.
Following Pattison across the finish line was Max Burgin, another 22-year-old who will also be making his Olympic debut.
"It was nerve-wracking going into it," admitted Pattison.
"Everyone was expecting me to win. I could have taken the easy option and chosen a different event, but I wanted to come here and win the British Champs. I'd never done it before."
Winning the Championships is a huge confidence boost for Pattison heading into the Olympics.
"The British 800m is so strong," he said.
"So to be the best is quite nice. I've worked so hard and I'm very happy."
SEE ALSO: Odiham athlete Ben Pattison set for Olympics after medal win
The young athlete became emotional after the race.
"It's a big relief," he said.
"For the last few months, people have been telling me I'm already on the team, but that's not how my brain works. Until I see my name on the team sheet, I don't believe it. I had to go out there and prove myself today. Once I crossed the line, it all settled in.
"It's been years of hard work, and to finally get the reward is amazing. These races are all about staying injury-free, and now all eyes are on the Olympics."
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