By Melissa Rudd Blast Reporter, BBC Norfolk

Ward is one of the potential stars of 2012 from the City of Norwich Club

City of Norwich runner Rick Ward has begun preparations for what could be his Olympic debut at London 2012.

The 19-year-old from Costessey won the Under-20's 800m national indoor title and competed at the Junior World Championships earlier this year.

Ward told BBC Norfolk: "2012 was always my aim and it's fantastic that the Games are going to be in London."

Rick will hope to follow former City of Norwich athlete Barbara Parker, who will compete in Beijing.

"I will be watching all the athletics on television wishing I was there, but I'm just looking forward to 2012 now - that is my main aim."

After taking up athletics in 2000, Rick's ability at middle-distance running was only realised once he failed at his first love - sprinting.

"As soon as I started competing for my club in sprints I realised I wasn't as good as I thought. So I took up middle-distance and from then on in I've enjoyed it and been better at it."

In summer he trains almost every day and whilst most teenagers his age are out socialising at weekends, Rick is competing in races all over the country.

"Going out on Friday and Saturday nights doesn't happen much and I don't see my friends as often as I'd want to. But sacrifices have to be made and hopefully I'm doing the right thing and I'll be going to the Olympics."

Although he competes in a variety of distances from 400m to half-marathons, 800m is the event Rick is focusing on for 2012.

In September he will attend a sports specialist University where he will be training with the top performers in the country at his distance.

"I'll be training with the best so hopefully I will get a good three or four years training and will be in peak condition for 2012."