London 2012: I can win medal - Chris Tomlinson

Middlesbrough long jumper Chris Tomlinson says he can be a Great Britain medal hope at next year's Olympic Games in London.

The 30-year-old has been out with a knee tendon injury but is now ready to return to competition.

"If I can stay injury free then I can win at the worlds, can win at the Olympics," Tomlinson told BBC Tees.

"I've proved that last year. I've trained hard and am now classed as one of the best jumpers in the world."

He added: "I've come close with silver medals at the Worlds and bronze at the Europeans, and hopefully my world ranking despite the injury will still be number four."

The injury, that saw Tomlinson finish 11th this September at the World Championships in Daegu, stalled an impressive 2011 campaign for the Teessider.

His British record-breaking jump during the Paris leg of the Diamond League saw him surpass 8.35m going into the World event in Korea.

"I'm starting to get over it, I've had a fair few sleepless nights," Tomlinson added.

"I was having a great season, broke the British record, probably ranked two or three in the world, beating the world and Olympic champion.

"I was jumping over 8.30m, went to the World Championships at my peak.

"Then I qualified for the world final and my knee just gave way, the doctors scanned it, said it was horrendous and so I had an operation.

"Now I'm back from rehabilitation and gunning now for 2012."

You can hear the full interview with Chris Tomlinson on Friday, 11 November with BBC Tees Sport from 1800 GMT, or listen again for seven days on the iPlayer.