YORK athlete Richard Buck is aiming to lay down a marker for London 2012 at this weekend’s Aviva Trials and UK Championships, writes Jake Farrell.

The City of York Athletics Club star heads into the 400 metres at the Birmingham event, which doubles as trials for the World Championships in South Korea, in top form and fitness.

Buck clocked a personal best of 45.99 seconds at a recent meeting in Switerland and his long-term goal is a place in the final at London 2012.

Said the 24-year-old: “I’m just trying to take it a few steps at a time.

“Obviously, the main goal is to get into the final of London 2012, something which we don’t think is beyond the realms of possibility. If everything goes well then that is definitely achievable.”

The one-lap specialist has been dogged by injury at crucial times, but is now in fine fettle and looking forward to the meet at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium.

A strong start to the season has left him with an outside chance of booking a place on the plane to Daegu later this year.

However, the North Yorkshire ace is measured in assessing his chances.

“Even though I am running really well I’m still sitting eighth in the rankings,” he said.

“I’m pretty confident I’ll get quicker though. My training programme is really well tailored so that I hit form at the key times.

“Hopefully, I’ll be in my top form for the trials and I’ll be able to post a really fast time.”

Under the tutelage of coach Steve Fudge, Buck has experienced an unbroken period of fitness, an experience that he admits he isn’t used to.

He said: “There’s very little wrong with me at the moment. I feel great. I am quite injury prone but my coach has got me on a great programme. I have pre and post-training checks which make sure that we know how I am and stop the body from breaking down.

“For the first time I’ve had a complete block of training going from the indoor to the outdoor season.”

Looking further ahead than this summer’s World Championships, Buck is targeting the 2012 indoor season as a stepping stone to London.

“I want to make a real challenge for a medal at the World Indoor Championships next year,” he said.

“It’s all a matter of confidence but it’s certainly something that is on the radar.”