Mukhtar Finland-bound as Olympic dream close to reality

Former FURD volunteer Mukhtar Mohammed is closing in on an Olympic place following a dramatic second place in the UK Athletics trials in Birmingham. Mukhtar has been training with an elite team of African distance runners for the past two and a half years after being released by Sheffield Wednesday in 2009.

Mukhtar was recommended to Wednesday by FURD coach Luis Silva in 2006, and then worked as a volunteer at FURD before deciding to swop a career in football for an attempt to break into top-flight athletics. His determination and dedication paid dividends in Birmingham when a late burst saw him overtake the vastly experienced Michael Rimmer in the last few strides.

However, to make sure of a place at the London Olympics, Mukhtar needs to achieve the 'A' standard qualifying time of 1:45.60, and has been given a great chance by the UK selectors after being chosen to represent his country in the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, Finland. The first heat of the 800 metres is scheduled for the morning of the 27th June and is being televised on British Eurosport.