Tim Benjamin believes he has rid himself of the illness and injury that might have threatened his participation in the Olympics. Benjamin, 25, who was fifth in the 400 metres at the World Championships in Helsinki in 2005, a summer when he beat the Olympic champion, Jeremy Wariner, yesterday said that he is stepping up his training after an operation which he hopes has solved all his problems.

"I have been seeing a specialist regarding a small problem I have been having with my sinuses," said Benjamin. "It has held me back somewhat over the last 18 months but recently I have had an operation on this so I believe I am right back on track again. Generally I have avoided injury and stepped up my training, so I am looking forward to seeing the benefits very soon."