Wayne Davis II wants to climb the podium at the 2012 London Olympics.

The US-born Trinidad and Tobago sprint hurdler told the Express that everything he does in 2012 is targetted at a top-three finish at the Olympic Games.

"My goal is to perfect my technique and medal in these 2012 Olympics. My entire focus is on London 2012. Meets prior to this event are just serious building blocks for the big event—Olympics."

With Cuba's men's 110 metres hurdles world record holder Dayron Robles (12.87 seconds), China's Liu Xiang, reigning world champion Jason Richardson and his American teammate David Oliver all eyeing Olympic glory, securing precious metal will be a tough task in London. But Davis has proven his worth in the junior ranks and undoubtedly has the potential to be a world-beater at the senior level.

As a 15-year-old, Davis earned sprint hurdles gold for the United States at the 2007 World Youth (under-18) Championships, in Ostrava, Czech Republic. He clocked 13.18 seconds in the final—a new world youth record.

Two years later, 17-year-old Davis set a world junior record, 13.08, in grabbing gold at the Pan American Junior (under-20) Championships, here in T&T.

The height of the hurdles for Davis' world youth record was 91.4 centimetres, and for his junior record the height was 99cm. Now that he is a full-fledged senior athlete, the barriers 20-year-old Davis must clear are 1.067 metres. His personal best at that height is 13.54 seconds. To be a serious contender for Olympic honours, the Texas A&M University student will need to go faster.

"I can't really say how fast I see myself going this year, but training so far is showing great potential to be competitive with the big dogs in London. In my career I feel as though my potential is limitless. I don't really like to put a number as my goal. When I run a personal best I am already thinking of a way to run faster, seconds after the race. I was the best in my youth and junior years and I intend to do the same on this level, whether it takes six months or eight years."

Davis was born in North Carolina, USA. However, his parents, Wayne and Anne Marie Davis, are Trinidadians, both from St James.

Last year, the young athlete decided to switch allegiance, choosing to run for the country of his parents' birth.

"I wanted to better experience the Trini culture," Davis II explained. "Track and field is one of the major sports in the islands."