NEWPORT'S Christian Malcolm, right, is a relieved man after clinching his seat on the plane to Athens for the Olympics, but admits the real work starts now.

Malcolm, 25, was selected for the 200m after finishing second behind Chris Lambert in the Great Britain Olympic trials in Manchester at the weekend.

Malcolm, who finished fifth at the Sydney Olympics four years ago, believes the stress of getting to the Olympics is far greater than the worry of actually racing in the showcase events.

He told the Argus: "It is a huge relief to have booked my spot in the squad for Athens because you can't really mentally prepare until you know for certain.

"When you finally get to qualifying all you care about is getting into the top two and assuring your place.

"It makes no difference if you come first or second as long as you end up in that top two, then you can start to relax."

Malcolm insists that now the issue of qualification has been settled, the real work can start. He said: "Now we know we are there, me and Jock (Anderson - Malcolm's coach) can step things up in training and start really focusing on Athens.

"I have to really pick it up now and work really hard in training, because the hard work I had been doing has got me the reward of being in the squad and I know I can do well in Athens.

"It was important not to pick up any niggles in Manchester because it was cold and I didn't feel fantastic up there and at this stage any injury would have been a real setback.

"I was in good form four years ago and I finished fifth but in the last two years I have had lots of injuries which have held me back, but at the moment I feel strong physically which is encouraging.

"I have a couple of events left here and then I will go over to Cyprus and start the warm weather training and hopefully it will all go smoothly."

Newport-based Darren Campbell will compete with Malcolm in the 200m, despite missing the qualifying final because of a rib injury.

And Malcolm admits he is pleased that his friend and rival is being allowed to double up in the 100m and 200m.

He explained: "In my time in the sport we have always had excellent strength in depth when it comes to the 200m and Darren has played a huge part in that, especially by winning his silver medal in Sydney.

"It is great for everyone that all three of us are looking to get a medal and really compete well in Athens and we can all do very well."

Malcolm will next be in action in Birmingham for a Norwich Union international on July 25.