London 2012: Barbara Parker visualises Olympics success

Barbara Parker is relying on the power of positive thinking to inspire her to success in the London Olympics.

The 29-year-old from King's Lynn will run both the 3,000m steeplechase, her favoured event, and the 5,000m.

"I always picture myself thinking 'wow, I've just got a medal' and doing a lap of honour," she told BBC Look East.

"I think every athlete visualises themselves winning. If you don't, you're never going to put yourself in the race in the first place."

She added: "You have to have this image of success and that you can possibly win, you just don't know - it's all on the day."

Parker could only finish eighth in the steeplechase at a Diamond League meeting in Paris earlier this month but followed that with a more encouraging performance at Crystal Palace, where she took third place.

And she believes the experience of having taken part in the Beijing Games four years ago will be a big plus in her favour in London.

"I've got a big advantage in the fact that I've been to an Olympics before," she added.

"I think if you ask anyone in any sport that's been to an Olympics before, they'll tell you it's nothing like any other championship.

"Beijing is going to have a huge value on anxiety, nerves - I'll just know what to expect."

The women's steeplechase final takes place on 6 August, with the 5,000m final four days later.