Dasaolu: Sprinters coming good

James Dasaolu believes the next golden age of British sprinting could be just around the corner, providing they are given time to develop.

The 24-year-old and Adam Gemili, six years his junior, are the only two 100 metres runners to achieve the Olympic A qualifying standard so far this season.

They will go head to head with the likes of 23-year-old Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tyrone Edgar and Dwain Chambers - seeking selection after the British Olympic Association's ban on doping offenders was overturned - at the Aviva 2012 trials, which start at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium on Friday.

The top two sprinters will secure their places for London 2012 - provided they have achieved the qualifying standard - with another spot awarded at the selectors' discretion.

"It might not be as strong as when we had Linford Christie and John Regis but I think those years are coming with Adam running 10.08 seconds, Harry doing pretty well last year and myself coming through," Dasaolu said.

"It is good to see a young talent like Adam coming through and it can only help us all want to compete and run faster - so it is good for the sport.

"People have to be patient and things will come good."

Dasaolu, who ran 10.18secs in Montgeron in France in mid-May, is aiming to prove UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee wrong about his fitness.

Earlier this month Van Commenee claimed Dasaolu was fragile and an athlete who "gets injured when they step out of bed for no reason".

Dasaolu has had his problems - ranging from a foot stress fracture to torn hamstrings twice - but insists a change of coach and a new training regime means he can put those issues behind him.

"I am fit, healthy and raring and ready to go and I am ready to compete this weekend," said the athlete, who is now working under the guidance of Kevin Tyler, UKA's head of coaching.

"I believe I am now over the problems. It is Olympic year - the year that matters most - and I do believe those [difficult] years are behind me.

"My biggest change was moving coach in January this year. It meant a different approach to training and it has really benefited me a lot.

"There is more focus on the running aspect and acceleration and I've spent less time in the gym and more time on the track.

"I have started a new programme and I believe that has allowed me to stay fit and healthy and produce quick times."