A BOLTON-born athlete will step up his training next week in the hope that hard work will book him a place on the British Olympic team for Atlanta next year.

Guy Bullock, 19, who lived in Bolton until the age of five, is about to embark on a gruelling nine-month programme of track work, conditioning and weight training.

"I have lived in Bolton twice and visit the town quite often," he said.

"I have a lot of affection for the town and would like to think my qualification for the games would put Bolton on the athletics map."

Dedication will be the key for Guy if he is to step off a plane in the States next year and compete in the 400 metres at the games between July 19 and August 4.

Ormskirk-based Guy hopes that training with Wigan Harriers star David Grindley will give him an advantage in the race for Olympic selection.

"David took part in the 400 metres event in the 1992 Olympics and is the British 400 metres record holder," said Guy.

"He will be my main rival but I can set my standards by his. If I can match him when he is running well, I will be running well. If I can do this I know I will not be far off qualifying."

Guy trains at different venues around the area including Manchester, St Helens and Kirkby, but in the main he runs at Robin Park in Wigan and is trained by former Widnes Rugby League player Alan Prescott.

Guy said: "I will also be running with top 400 metres hurdler Pete Crampton and local sprinters from Wigan Harriers in the build up to the games.

"If I can get my 200 metre time down, my 400 metre time will improve as well."

Guy's father Ross took part in the recent Greater Manchester Olympic Relay to mark the launch of fund-raising events for the games.

Commenting on his son's Olympic bid, Ross said: "Athletics does not run in the family and Guy's success is all down to his own talent and interest."

The Olympic qualifying event looks set to take place next June in Birmingham.

Guy said that even though Atlanta was the ultimate goal, the qualifying event was something to look forward to in its own right.

He will fit training sessions around a car mechanics' course which he is about to start in Skelmersdale.

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