Colin Jackson urges Dai Greene to refocus for Olympics

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Media caption,

Greene wins Britain's first gold

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson says world 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene must not rest on his laurels ahead of the 2012 London Olympics.

Greene, the reigning World, European and Commonwealth champion, is considered one of the favourites to win his event at next year's Olympics.

"The World Championships have gone, Dai knows that," said Jackson.

"Yes it's great he's world champion, but he's got to re-think and prepare himself for the Olympic Games."

Greene powered home to victory, external on the final straight at the World Championships in Daegu after a slow start in the 400m hurdles final.

And Jackson says fellow Welshman Greene can add Olympic gold to his achievements at next year's games.

"He's got the heart of a lion and when the chips are down you can rely on him to produce the goods," said Jackson.

"I will be screaming louder than anyone else in the stadium if he is coming down the home straight in the lead.

"I will be praying he clears all the hurdles and brings home the gold medal to Wales. I've got a smile already thinking this guy could make it happen."

However Jackson predicts Welsh sprinter Christian Malcolm's path to Olympic glory will be tougher given the quality of the Caribbean-based sprinters.

The European 200m silver medallist reached the semi-final at this year's World Championships in South Korea.

"Everyone knows how tough sprinting is at the moment with all the incredible Caribbean and American sprinters around, but Chris is tough too," added Jackson.

"At the end of the day he's more than capable of making the final in 2012.

"If he gets himself anywhere near his best form and he's in the right semi-final we could see Christian in the 200m final.

"So he needs a little bit of luck and he could be wearing that British vest in the final."

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