AN ATHLETE from Middlesbrough has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the 400 metres hurdle at the Sydney Olympics next month.

Anthony Borsumato, 26, who lives in Acklam, has competed at international events all over the world, but freely admits his Olympic Games selection is the "icing to end all icing on the cake."

He said: "My first aim is to reach the semi-finals in the 400 metres hurdle.

"If I achieve that, then the possibility of a medal will be all the additional spur I need. Whatever happens I will be giving it my best shot."

In achieving his lifetime's goal he has acknowledged the help of his local help club, Springs, at Teesside Park, Stockton.

Mr Borsumato said: "I've used the facility no fewer than 46 times since they granted me an honorary membership.

"There's no doubt it helped me to top up general levels of fitness, which enabled me to compete well enough to gain selection for the Olympics."