Oxfordshire hurdler Lawrence Clarke says he can still get better as he prepares for his Olympic debut.

The 22-year-old from Christmas Common, near Watlington, secured his spot in the 110m hurdles by finishing second in the Olympic Trials.

Clarke clocked 13.45secs to come just behind UK champion Andy Pozzi, who is his training partner, both athletes being coached by Malcolm Arnold.

And now the former Summer Fields School, Oxford pupil is looking to go faster than personal best of 13.33.

Clarke said: “I still feel like I haven’t peaked yet, so I was really worried that I might peak last weekend.

“I ran quick in the heats to get 13.38 and I thought ‘Oh God, now I am the favourite’.

“It is so close between Pozz and I this season and we are pushing each other hard.”

Clarke has already beaten the UK Olympic qualifying mark of 13.52 nine times this season, but he is still pushing himself hard.

He said: “I have got one race before the London Diamond League and then hopefully I am going to come to Henley to see the torch relay on July 10.

“Friday the 13th is the Diamond League where all the international hot-shots will be.

“All the top people will be racing there, so you can’t ask for better preparation.”

Clarke set a new Oxfordshire record of 10.64secs in the 100m flat at the county championships in May.

And he was proud to wear the Oxon vest for the first time in the trials at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.

“I was very adamant that I got a vest,” said Clarke.

“I think they bent the rules a bit to give me one because obviously I was not competing in the 100m.

“I want to represent my county. The club comes up on the TV, but I want my county to be represented.

“There weren’t many athletes from Oxfordshire there last weekend, so it’s great to do my bit.”

Reflecting on the final, Clarke added: “There wasn’t much between the top three.

“Andy Turner, who finished third, is one of my idols, so to have beaten him is a complete bonus as well.”