Parker all set for Olympic chase

Parker has proudly admitted to wearing her GB kit at home

Barbara Parker is preparing for her first trip to the Olympics, with the Beijing Games less than a month away.

The 25-year-old competes in the 3,000m steeplechase in China after coming second in Sunday's trial in Birmingham.

Parker, from Pot Row near King's Lynn, told BBC Radio Norfolk of her hopes for the Games in August.

"My goal is to make the final, I have a strong finish usually. Even though I was a bit rusty at the AAAs I'm confident I can make the final."

Parker is based in Florida, where she has studied at Florida State University since leaving Loughborough, and says it has left her well prepared for the conditions in China.

"I'm used to the heat, and it's really humid there [Florida] so I'm not too worried about that.

"Obviously the air quality's not quite so good, but hopefully I'll have that little bit over everyone else because I train in that kind of weather," she said.

Parker, of the City of Norwich Athletics Club, also spoke of her delight at receiving her Team GB kit bag, and the wealth of products she found within it.

"We picked up a suitcase full and another wheelie bag, there was the suits for the opening and closing ceremonies, toiletries, everything you can imagine really, even a handheld video camera," said Parker.

Parker qualified in second at the Aviva National Championships, which doubled as Olympic trials, in the West Midlands, with Helen Clitheroe finishing three seconds ahead in first.

Clitheroe claimed the British record with her time of nine minutes and 36.98 seconds, beating Parker's previous best.