Tomlinson braced for world athletic challenge

The winning jump in last year's Olympic final, won by Irving Saladino of Panama, was 8.34m, but the silver medal was won with a leap of 8.24m, well within Tomlinson's capabilities.

He believes he has added consistency to his talent, posting some 8.20m plus jumps in recent competitions, including 8.21m at Crystal Palace two weeks ago.

He said: "Crystal Palace was really encouraging. I was pleased with the distance but I feel I can go a lot further.

"I've jumped 8.23m this season and putting together a big run is what it's all about when it comes to jumping further. I'm having a good season with plenty of consistent jumps which has got my world ranking up.

"It should be a good competition in Berlin. There isn't one guy who's outstanding at the moment. There will be a lot of good jumpers there so it'll be down to how well we perform on the day. Hopefully it will happen for me if I'm patient and keep working hard."

Tomlinson will be hoping to stay fit at next week's training camp in Portugal, after injury wrecked his hopes in Beijing. But he denied he was unlucky in major championships.

He said: "People say I've been unlucky in majors but I won a silver medal in the World Indoors a couple of years ago, so I don't think I'm that unlucky. I'm hoping this year will be my major peak. I'm fit and I'm ready to go."

Tomlinson, 27, is just one of several Newham athletes included in the Great Britain squad although like many of his international colleagues, including Olympic and World 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, appearances for the Beagles are limited.

He said: "It's amazing to have so many in the GB squad and it would be nice if we could bring back some medals for the club. Obviously Christine is the star but there are a few others in with a shout.

"I hope to turn out for them again this season. I really enjoy competing for the Beagles, I genuinely do. They are a good bunch of guys and there are some real characters there. We're the strongest team in the UK and if we can get half our athletes through the winter season I think we'll be one of the strongest teams in Europe."

Although his thoughts are focused on the World Championships at the moment Middlesbrough-born Tomlinson has the London Olympics as his ultimate aim. And he hopes his dedication will see him win that long-cherished medal.

He said: "I'm absolutely, definitely focused on 2012. I'll be 30 then and hopefully at my peak. I moved to live and train in London to focus on 2012 and it would be great to be on that podium with a medal round my neck. It will be tough but it's my long-term aim."