Athens-bound Oxford City triple jumper Nathan Douglas is still on cloud nine after the leap of his life earned him the Olympic qualifying standard of 16.95m at the AAA Championships final in Manchester.

The 21-year-old, who smashed his personal best by a massive half a metre, hit the qualifying mark exactly on Sunday to claim his place in the British team for the Athens Games.

He will be the second-youngest athlete representing Great Britain, and two days after his amazing jump, he says he still can't believe he is off to the Olympics.

"I still think it was a dream," Douglas said. "It was all so weird, and there were so many emotions I went through. I think I was in a bit of a daze.

"I had interviews for about an hour and a half after the event, and I don't think it has really sunk in yet.

"My family were with me, which made it extra special, because they have been so supportive."

Douglas, who has just graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in sports science, says he owes a lot of his success to his former coach at Oxford City, Steve Hill.

"Steve took me on at the age of seven, and we spent 11 years together before he passed me on to my new coach, Ted King, at Loughborough.

"Steve and I went through a lot together, and he has been a massive influence on my career."

A delighted Hill, who still coaches at City, said: "Nathan fully deserves what he has achieved.

"He has been doing well locally and nationally for many years, and this is just reward for his dedication.

"He never caved in to the pressures of being a teenager and has been very committed towards his sport.

"He's always represented Oxford City, and has never been tempted to join one of the bigger clubs.

"He's very proud of his roots and his family, and it's absolutely fantastic for him to realise his boyhood dream.

"He has reached a pinnacle at just 21, but I believe if you are good enough, you are old enough, and he has certainly proved how good he is."

Douglas, twice a winner of the triple jump at the English Schools' Championships, says he will now be focusing all his attention on preparing for Athens, and believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.

"Even though I jumped 16.95 - there were so many faults in it," he added.

"When I watched it back on the TV in the evening, I couldn't believe how many little errors had crept in. It means I can improve, and I will work on things with my coach over the next few weeks.

"But I am going to the Olympics - that's an achievement in itself. I am just so excited about the prospect of competing with the best in the world."