Parsons aiming for top-five place

Parsons has a month to prepare for the Olympic Games

Birmingham high jumper Tom Parsons is aiming for at least a top-five finish after achieving his dream of making the Olympic Games.

The Birchfield Harrier jumped the 2.30m needed to qualify for Beijing at the recent trials in his home city.

"I've dreamed about it all year and just to be able to call yourself an Olympian is incredible.

"I expect to be in the final and I'm going for the top five. That's what I'm capable of," Parsons told BBC WM.

The 24-year-old heads to China full of confidence over his form after feeling he reached the qualifying standard quite easily.

I don't think our team sponsorship deal will allow me to wear them but I do feel comfortable in them Tom Parsons on his lucky Aston Villa socks

"I got very close to the standard the week before at the British League match and that gave me a lot of confidence leading up to the trials.

"I was soaring over the heights up to 2.30m. My timing was there and it all just clicked. It felt like there was even more there."

Parson competed at the trials at the Alexander Stadium in his lucky Aston Villa socks but, he admitted he is unlikely to be able to wear them again in Beijing.

"I don't think our team sponsorship deal will allow me to wear them but I do feel comfortable in them.

"I'll definitely take them with me though."

The qualifying rounds for the Olympic high jump final are on 17 August with the final on 19 August.