LAWRENCE Clarke describes his 110m hurdles semi-final in Rio tomorrow morning as a 'do or die race'.

The Oxfordshire athlete, who came third in his heat earlier today in 13.55secs, lines up from 12.40am, bidding to reach his second Olympic final.

Clarke, from Christmas Common, near Watlington, finished fourth in London four years ago and now has his sights firmly set on booking his place in the showpiece, which gets under way at 2.45am.

The 26-year-old, who attended Summer Fields School, Summertown, said: "It (the heat) was good – I got out remarkably well but I didn’t want to take any risks.

"I had the same thing in London knowing I had to keep it clean and the false start in the race before me just reminds you that you can’t make mistakes.

"I’m into the Olympic semi-final now and anything can happen.

"Last time (London 2012) I made it through as a fastest loser so I’m coming back with my game face on and it’s a do or die race.”