Confident Nick Woodbridge eyes worlds tilt

Olympic hopeful Nick Woodbridge launches his Modern Pentathlon World Championship bid today confident of booking his place at the London Olympics.

The 25-year-old has been the British number one in the eyes of the selectors for a few years now and knows that a good performance in Italy will seal his place.

Woodbridge, who was born in Wellington, is not getting ahead of himself though, and admits he is focused solely on doing his best at this weekend's event in Rome.

"Obviously having the Olympics in your own country is very special," Woodbridge said.

"In fact I don't think athletes will realise just how special it really is until afterwards when they are qualifying for the next Olympics which won't be on home soil.

"But for now I am concentrating on the job I have to do this week and I am looking forward to it."

Woodbridge has been mixing intense bursts of training with relaxation sessions this week and reckons he is in tip-top shape to make a big impact at the championships.

"It's quite good to fly out the day before you compete when there is no big time change because you can relax better at home," he said.

"I have been able to prepare well, we've been doing speed sessions in the pool and on the track in the mornings and then having massages and taking care of myself in the afternoons.

"It's been nice, it's all about ensuring your body is in good shape and you are in the right frame of mind.

"I feel positive that I can perform well and I want to make it through to the final and hopefully achieve a top-ten finish."

All four British athletes made it through to tomorow's women's final.

Their performances at the weekend are expected to play a major role in deciding which two of the quartet claim the places available at the London Olympics this summer, and all made sure they stayed in the hunt with top-12 finishes in their respective semi-finals.